Biology Laboratory Apprentice Review

As a biology laboratory apprentice, my role primarily involves lab work, which encompasses planning, conducting and analysing work to produce data for projects. To do this successfully, I contribute to 1:1, team and departmental meetings and discussions and attend external webinars to learn more about relevant science outside of GSK.

Additional to my degree in Applied Bioscience through the University of Kent, GSK provide opportunities for both personal and professional development through internal and external training courses, in the form of conferences, webinars and laboratory instrument training. Alongside this, health and safety training and regular check-ins are conducted for all necessary activities to ensure safety in the workplace. I am happy to say that I knew next to nothing when I first joined the company as a an apprentice in September 2020, so this formal, as well as informal, training continues to develop my skills to sets me up well for success.

The departmental and site-wide social, culture and diversity teams create an open and enjoyable atmosphere in the workplace which met and surpassed my expectations. I work alongside scientists of varying grades and years of experience, each who are happy to share their knowledge and wisdom with me (a few of whom have previously followed the same route that I have and can provide me with advice and tips).

My week usually takes the form of working at GSK Monday through Thursday, and taking a study day on Friday (although this structure is flexible to suit work/university demands and deadlines). I have an ex-apprentice mentor who I regularly catch up with and a supportive manager and team. For uni work, the study days are well set out so I know when I should be learning what.

My manager, supervisor and team are understanding of my experience level and are all happy and keen to support me through any issues or problems that I have. Support is available and accessible to those who need it and thorough training is provided to enable full use of assistive software. Often this is a GSK replacement for personal accessibility software such as Grammarly and Speechify, which sometimes have a few issues or are slightly outdated.

With my training provider (University of Kent), I have an apprenticeship advisor with whom I have regular catch-ups involving the two of us and my manager at GSK. Any of my questions or concerns are addressed during this meeting and my progress is tracked and I am offered support if I am at risk of falling behind.

The qualification that I am working towards through my training provider covers an overview levels of all of the topics that I might encounter in the workplace, providing me with a well-rounded understanding of bioscience. One of the coursework pieces requires us to link our learnings with our work where possible, but often my role at work is so specialised that it is just not applicable. This issue has reduced since I have rotated within the company so I have acquired a more varied skill set.

On site, there is a sports centre with a sports hall (for various sports), a gym and gym classes for all of the companies housed in the science park in which my GSK site is situated. GSK also offer one day a year, an "orange day", where we are released from our normal work duties to perform volunteer work in aid of the local community.

Yes

GSK is a great place to work and all of my colleagues are genuinely invested and supportive in my development. I am working towards a qualification which is fully paid for by GSK, gaining experience in work, and developing skills that will make me employable at the end of my apprenticeship.

If you are interested in applying for GSK, do your research. Look on the company website and read through the company's values, understand how they align with your own and think of examples in your own life when you have showed that. My GSK apprenticeship is rotational so you whilst you do specialise in your role, you will have the opportunity to gain experience and specialise in many areas.