laboratory science apprentice Review

by GSK

Best Apprenticeship Employer

Rating

6.1/10

1. Please give an overview of your role and what this involves on a day-to-day basis:

I work in the In vivo/ in vitro department where we look at the pharmacokinetics of compounds in the drug development sector. Day to day it involves setting up of in vivo studies, liaising with study directors and maintaining high animal welfare.

5/10

2. Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?

learnt a lot of team working, organisation and time management skills. Aswell as In Vivo skills such as procedures and techniques

7/10

3. To what extent do you enjoy your programme?

I enjoy the people I work with and the company i work for has lots of benefits and supports me well. The degree side of things can be a bit full on but there is plenty of support and help around when struggling.

8/10

4. How well organised/structured is your programme?

We had a very structured degree, with particular modules to be completed in a certain order and by a set time. University of Kent are good at ensuring regular catch up with apprentices to make sure everyone is staying on track and not getting behind. My actually apprenticeship has been a bit rocky as I've had to move from department to department several times due to unexpected redundancies and making departments smaller, but GSK have done well to keep me support and with a job.

6/10

5. How much support do you receive from your employer?

I have a monthly meeting with my manager to discuss my progress and ensure im getting the most out of the training being provided. ALso have monthly meeting with a mentor and also have 'a buddy' i can contact too

7/10

6. How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?

university of kent have been useful keeping me on track with regular meetings, however lack a bit of information about EPA until we get to third year where they seem to bombard us with all the information on EPA all at once. Modules are easy to work your way through however more support from lecturers would help

6/10

7. How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?

due to the work my department do being very niche it wasnt often that my degree actually linked to anything i did at work however the modules were still interesting and useful to have behind me if i am to change careers later down the life

5/10

8. Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)

There is an apprentice union called NxtGen who sorted out socials for apprentices. There was also poster events and networking events quite often.

5/10

9a. Would you recommend GSK to a friend?

Yes

9b. Why?

great company to work for, lots of benefits and support and all the people are so welcoming and friendly

10. What tips or advice would you give to others applying to GSK?

be yourself, read up on upcoming developments GSK are currently working on and explore the apprenticeship route