Clinical Trials Specialist Apprentice Review

This apprenticeship works on a rotational basis and therefore the role changes once a year, the role I am currently participating in is a study delivery lead role. This is a project management based role working in clinical operations. This involves working with many other groups of people, for example clinical science leads.

Throughout the 18 months I have been doing my apprenticeship for so far I feel I have been able to develop many skills and learnt a lot of new ones as well. I have developed my public speaking skills, something I was never comfortable with before and I have learnt how to network effectively.

So far I have really enjoyed the programme, within the first year the role I was doing was an entry role and therefore gave me an opportunity to understand the company and what it is like to work for a global company. I have been able to push and challenge myself throughout my apprenticeship, both are things I thoroughly enjoy.

I feel that my apprenticeship is very well structured, from the beginning it has been clear what rotations we will complete and when we will be completing them. I also appreciate that during the pandemic GSK have been flexible and updated our structure to better suit a home working environment.

Throughout my apprenticeship I have received a lot of support from my employer, both line managers I have had so far have been incredibly supportive. The company have also ensured that we have other support in place, for example we have an apprenticeship buddy system in place as well as early talent support.

I have received good support from my training provider, we have a representative from the uni who we can contact at any time and have catch ups with every 3 months. It can be difficult to make time to talk to uni tutors and as everything is online (no F2F) this can make learning harder.

I feel that by completing my degree it helps me to understand some of the very difficult processes and biological pathways that are explained in clinical trials. Within the degree that I do we also complete a GCP model which is the root of all clinical research and so helps with this understanding.

GSK ensures that there are a lot of extra curricular activities to get involved with, on the apprenticeship programme there are frequent social events to be a part of. We also go on residential trips once a year to allow us to network with other apprentices and see what they do.

Yes

I have had a very good experience working for GSK, they look after their employees and work to ensure that you are developing at a pace that you are comfortable with. I feel that working for GSK has pushed me to do things I wouldnt normally have the confidence to do.

My top tips for applying to gsk would be; be yourself go for it take your time when answering questions and dont be afraid to ask for clarification research the company and ensure that your values align with the companies ask questions try not to be nervous, this one is hard