Laboratory science apprentice Review

Working in a synthetic chemistry lab, my day to day role involves designing small scales reaction routes and carrying them out in practice. I will then analyze the compound made using a variety of techniques such as NMR, LC-MS etc before submitting the compound to be tested. Following this, I'll use the test data to determine whether the compound could be a good drug candidate. Outside the lab, I attend and present at project meetings.

Since I began my apprenticeship, I've learnt skills in and out of the lab. These include analytical skills such as inferring and evaluating data, as well as understanding the theory behind the technique. Practical skills in the lab as well as regulatory skills such as following GMP (good manufacturing practice) regulations. Softer skills such as presentation skills, leadership and time management have also been developed.

Overall I've enjoyed the apprenticeship, although this largely depends on your team and location. I've had both good and bad experiences throughout the years, some teams don't represent the company culture well or respect their apprentices which has given an unenjoyable experience. Other teams have given lots of guidance and opportunities and I'm grateful to work there.

The university side of the programme is very well structured and detailed, so you know what you will be covering each year, and who to contact if you need help. The work side of the apprenticeship is less structured, there is a lack of communication with the early talent team so the structure falls to the departments. This means that one apprentices structure and experience will be very different to another's, which can lead to unfair advantages.

My line manager, university mentor and department leads are very supportive and helpful, and have regular check in conversations. Other managers in the past have been very unsupportive leading to harassment/bullying. HR in this situation were initially somewhat supportive but the communication was very poor and the issue was never looked into or resolved.

The university are very supportive and access and guidance is available for non-academic issues. There is regular communication with the tutors and most are helpful. There has been issues with feedback and lack of learning material across several years so this should be an area to improve. Overall though, it has been a good experience.

The early years of the science degree focused on business skills which was disappointing and not applicable in my lab based job. Further on there is more science but its very broad and not often applicable to the job. The majority of theory needed for the role has come from learning from supervisors and mentors rather than from the degree.

In non-pandemic times there are sports teams and a fitness area onsite. There is an global apprentice network who organize social activities for each site amongst other things. Attending scientific conferences is encouraged for development in departments. Being a STEM ambassador and attending events and schools to inspire the next generation is also encouraged .

Yes

Although dependent on where you work, overall working at GSK has been a positive experience. The job is highly enjoyable and thought-provoking and whilst the culture could be improved in some areas, mostly the company in highly aware and forward thinking. Most people are helpful and supportive and its a good network.

Research the company's expectations and values and make sure they align to you, also if possible relate your past experience to these values. Make sure to research the job role and ask lots of questions to understand what the team dynamic and job focus is like and whether it's something you would enjoy.