Laboratory Science Apprentice Review

I work in Cell and Gene Therapy, where we insert a correct gene into patients with a disease caused by a faulty/missing gene. As a cell scientist, my role is to create and optimize the process of the cell manufacture and to characterise the T-Cell subpopulations, to create the best product.

I came into this apprenticeship straight after doing my A-Levels in college, so I had no previous lab experience or skills. The people I work with have been fantastic, I have been fully trained on every skill needed for my work, and offered the opportunity to develop and learn skills in new areas too. Monthly presentations have also developed my public speaking skills, and soft skills workshops (e.g. CV writing) are provided to apprentices also.

I love my work, I have never had any doubts about the route I have taken and I have no regrets at all. My aim is to apply for a full time position in my team so that I can continue the work I am doing because I enjoy it so much.

The programme is well structured, the work is 4 days a week and the university study day is one day a week. The university work can sometimes take longer than the allotted day and work can get very stressful around exam time and you have two things to focus on. However, my manager is aware of this and cuts back my workload when I have exams.

The people in my team are always happy to help with any questions I have, and are eager to train me on new techniques. The leader of my team is always happy to listen about my concerns regarding university and workload and will do the best they can to support me when I need it

The University lecturers are easy to contact via email or telephone, however sometime the support they provide is not the most useful. Never/rarely meeting your lecturer in person makes it tricky to connect with them sometimes, however there are frequent meetings with university advisors to check your progress and raise any concerns.

Most knowledge applied at A-Level is quite basic when compared to the real life workings of science, so the University modules help to bridge this gap. The Cell and Gene Therapy apprentices have modules based specifically around our work, which provides amazing help when learning about the different areas of our department.

There is a gym on site where friends or members of a team can go to play badminton/squash/football etc. A site choir has recently been set up, and there are lunchtime wellbeing sessions where you can go to meet new people. My department holds a summer and Christmas event every year where we have a bbq/party and there are also many lunchtime networking events and seminars.

Yes

I believe it is a fantastic company to work for, as an apprentice you are treated exactly like an employee, as you have access to all of the benefits that come with working for GSK such as the pension and share plan. You are also not treated like a lab rat, but are given your own projects and responsibilities to complete.

I would fully encourage you to apply for GSK; the interview is strength based so rather than asking what you have already done that would qualify you for the role (which is hard as most apprentices are school leavers) they are interested in seeing what your potential is and where your strengths lie.