Engineering Level 3 Apprenticeship - Irvine

Job Details

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Engineering Level 3 Apprenticeship - Irvine

GSK Apprenticeships are full-time, early starter jobs that offer Year 13 secondary school and post-16 students the opportunity to begin their career while studying towards a qualification. This qualification is fully funded by GSK so that you can avoid having any debt.

This role is based in Irvine, where we manufacture the active ingredients and starting material for an antibiotic belonging to a group of drugs called penicillin. Around 135 million patients are treated with our finished products each year in over 140 countries.

Education Required

• Must have/be predicted to achieve a minimum of five National 4/5 (previously standard grades) or equivalent, including Mathematics, English, and Science – must include Mathematics at B or above, a Science subject, and English at C or above.
• Candidates currently on or who have completed a PEO2 engineering course can apply, as long as they have the equivalent of a National 4/5 in Mathematics, English, and one other subject.

Other Requirements

• If offered a position, the candidate must be willing to enroll and meet entry requirements.
• Must be able to commute to the Irvine site and Ayrshire College (Kilmarnock or Kilwinning, depending on apprenticeship).
• Irvine is a penicillin manufacturing site. Please consider this if you are allergic to beta-lactam penicillin.

Key Details

• Expected Start Date: September 2025
• Application Deadline: Apply as soon as possible. This vacancy will close once sufficient applications are received.
• Assessment Centre Date: Held between February and April 2025 for shortlisted candidates.

What You'll Be Doing

You will work at GSK’s Irvine manufacturing facility, learning how to maintain and improve pharmaceutical manufacturing equipment and facilities to ensure medicines and vaccines reach patients.

Engineering Apprentices' Experiences

Callum Black, Engineering Apprentice: “I’m a third-year engineering apprentice. So far, my experience on site has been great through working alongside competent tradesman and engineers every day, who have vast experience in the industry whether it be with GSK or elsewhere. For me, the best part of the GSK experience is the opportunities to take on challenges to develop myself, such as the Outward Bound and Fieri trips.”

Chris Callander, Engineering Apprentice: “GSK has helped me to gain qualifications which are recognised throughout industry. I have also built effective communication and teamworking skills through various workshops and retreats all over the UK.”

Ellie Wilson, Engineering Apprentice: “I have found that the best part of being a GSK apprentice is that you get to learn new things every day and work alongside different individuals within a team. I also really enjoy the experiences which we get to do every year like Outward Bound, which allows us to meet other GSK Apprentices from all over the world.”

Apprenticeship Details

This is a 4-year practical, hands-on apprenticeship where you’ll work towards a Level 3 Engineering qualification through Ayrshire College. Your studies are fully funded, and you’ll apply theoretical knowledge in a real-world manufacturing environment.

Other Perks Include

• Eligibility for NUS Extra card with discounts.
• Access to NxtGen, a social group connecting apprentices nationally and internationally.
• Healthcare and well-being programs.
• Employee recognition programs.
• A buddy/mentor for support and guidance.

Day-to-Day Responsibilities

• Maintain equipment and carry out routine maintenance.
• Fault-find, diagnose, and resolve breakdowns.
• Work on energy and sustainability projects.
• Recommend and action improvements.
• Help install and test new equipment.
• Learn business skills alongside other apprentices.
• Complete community projects as part of a team.

What We Offer

• Starting salary of £18,400 per year, increasing to £25,400 after 1 year plus annual company performance-based bonus.
• Nationally recognised Engineering Technician qualifications.
• All costs of your apprenticeship paid for by GSK.

About GSK

GSK is a global biopharma company with a special purpose – to unite science, technology and talent to get ahead of disease together – so we can positively impact the health of billions of people and deliver stronger, more sustainable shareholder returns – as an organisation where people can thrive. Getting ahead means preventing disease as well as treating it, and we aim to impact the health of 2.5 billion people around the world in the next 10 years. 

GSK Apprenticeships are a brilliant alternative to college courses or university. As one of the worldʼs leading biopharma companies, we offer an on-the-job learning experience that really stands out. Youʼll earn a salary for performing a real role – with your practical experience backed by classroom sessions 

We want GSK to be a place where people feel inspired, encouraged and challenged to be the best they can be. A place where they can be themselves – feeling welcome, valued and included. Where they can keep growing and look after their wellbeing. So, if you share our ambition, join us at this exciting moment in our journey to get Ahead Together

How to apply

To apply for this role and to find out more, please click on the apply button.

Please note that applications may close before the application deadline, so apply early to avoid disappointment.