Engineering Technician Review

Production support engineering, when there is a fault with the machine then it is my job to identify the fault and correct the machine. General maintenance of the production equipment to make sure that it is running as efficiently as possible Calibration's to make sure that all of the equipment is operating as it should and the product is as described

Whilst training to be a engineering technician I have learnt a range of new skills including physical and mental skills. I have learnt to work with a range of specialised production equipment as well as learnt about how they work. I have also attended numerous courses to work on other wider skills such as effective communications, presentation skills and other team building skills

I enjoy working as part of the manufacturing and packing support team and I achieve a large amount of job satisfaction knowing that my actions help the patient at the end of the day. I also enjoy working with my hands and finding practical solutions to problems that are faced every day in the workplace

The training that I have received on site and the on the job training was all very well organised however the qualification side of the training was let down by the poorly organised college, where I completed my HNC. On site however the program was organised in a way where I always had something to do and different rotations in the area so I could see a wide range of different processes and techniques

I receive support on a daily basis with regular checking's and am rarely left on my own to complete a task. I have checking's with my manager once a month to enshure every think is ok and I could raise any issues at that time. I have a weekly meeting with area managers to check progress and see what else needs to be done

I received support from the training center with one to one meetings every 3 weeks to help me through a NVQ which was the more on the job type of training. However When attending Darlington college no support given, simply just given an assignment and left to my own devices. No support or training given.

The NVQ I completed has developed my understanding of a range of practical skills that I use throughout my normal working day. These vary from communication skills where I regularly hand over information to more practical skils such as fault finding. The qualification also allowed me to investigate the tasks I completed in a more detailed way which further developed my understanding.

Throughout my apprenticeship there has been a range of other activities to get involved in. These has included everything from bee keeping to nights out with the other apprentices. There are also a range of other extra training courses nor non work related tasks. there is always a chance to meet with apprentices from other GSK sites as well.

Yes

I feel that it is a good employer to work fore and there is plenty of opportunities to develop if you desire. I was supported by GSK throughout my apprenticeship and they have helped me to complete my apprenticeship to the highest possible standard as well as provided me with a range of transferable skills

Research the company before hand so you know some of the product and medicines that they make. Focus on the goals set and find ways in which to relate to them. Think of things you have previously experienced and try to relate them to the job in which you are applying for