Biology Laboratory Apprentice Review

As a biology laboratory apprentice my work is split between lab based and office based work, the ratio of this changes from day to day. In the lab I have worked on a range of different techniques from molecular biology to cell culture. Specifically in my role in Cell and Gene Therapy I am looking at T cells including culture and phenotyping through flow cytometry. In the office I do analysis of data, experiment write ups, team meetings, presentations and planning of experiments.

I have learnt a vast amount of new laboratory techniques including cloning, transformations, transfections, transductions, cell culture, maintenance and cryopreservation of a variety of cell lines, sampling, flow cytometry, staining with antibodies, mass spectrometry techniques, performing different assays (ddPCR, PERT, luciferase). Aside from the lab I have learnt a lot of techniques to use in the workplace such as organisation and time management, project management, presentation and public speaking skills.

I thoroughly enjoy my apprenticeship and sometimes can't quite believe how lucky I am to be in the position that I am in! I am learning so many new things every day and have progressed so much professionally in the last three years that I have been at GSK. I feel well supported by both the company and the training provider.

The programme is well structured and I receive a lot of support when required. The university course is well structured and having three opportunities throughout the year to sit different modules is a really flexible way to study and beneficial to everyone. Training in laboratory techniques could be more structured in the workplace. Depending on the job role there should be a checklist of essential laboratory techniques to learn so that this is more structured.

I have received a lot of support from my employer throughout my apprenticeship. I have many points of contact including my line manager, head of department, early talent team, NxtGen apprentice network. I feel as if I can go to any of these contacts if I have any worries or concerns.

I have a lot of online support from my training provider and feel as if I always can contact them when required. There are many different ways of contacting the university through email, moodle or phone. We also have face to face meetings with our tutors every 2-3 months in a progress review. This is very useful to keep on track of my qualification.

I think that my foundation degree is helping me get the basic knowledge that I need for my role as a laboratory scientist. However, I do feel as if I am not getting the depth of knowledge required in some areas. Using in the workplace assignments helps with this however sometime they aren't as applicable.

Through the NxtGen network, social activities are put on for apprentices throughout the UK. These are really great at getting apprentices together but there turnout to events is not great due to a lack of exposure of the NxtGen team and a lack of any budget for social events. I also am part of the gym and 5 a side football which is organised through different people at GSK.

Yes

GSK is a great place to work and develop professionally. There are so many networking and development opportunities. There is a great culture at the company and people are always willing to help and teach, which is great for apprentices who are in such an early part of their career.

Make sure that GSK are right for you as much as you are right for GSK. Look at the values and priorities of the company and ensure these are in line with your values, to ensure that you will thrive whilst working at GSK. Be yourself in the interview and be prepared!