Manufacturing Process Operator Level 3 Apprenticeship - Irvine

Job Details

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Manufacturing Process Operator 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 product 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.
• One higher grade (or equivalent), preferably in a Maths or a Science subject.

Other requirements

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

Expected Start Date

August 2025

Application Deadline

We recommend you apply as soon as possible. This vacancy will close when we have received enough applications, so please apply as soon as you can so your application can be considered.

Assessment Centre Date

Assessment centres for shortlisted candidates will be held between February and April 2025.

Programme Overview

This is a 3-year practical, hands-on apprenticeship where you will be working towards a Manufacturing qualification through Kilmarnock College. The first year involves 4 days each week at college and one day on-site. The remaining two years are spent on-site full-time.

Your studies are fully funded by GSK, and through your day-to-day work, you’ll have lots of opportunities to apply your theoretical knowledge in a real-world manufacturing environment.

Other perks include

• Eligibility for NUS Extra card providing you with discounts to many high street and online outlets.
• Access to NxtGen – a social group where you can connect with other GSK apprentices nationally and internationally.
• Access to healthcare and well-being programmes.
• Employee recognition programs, which reward exceptional achievements.
• A buddy and/or mentor who will help you to prepare for joining GSK and who will be there to offer support and guidance throughout your apprenticeship.

What will you be doing day-to-day?

During the apprenticeship, you will study the theory of pharmaceutical production, first touch engineering and lean manufacturing, as well as safety and risk management. You will complete a series of on-site job rotations, learning how to operate the different equipment that makes our pharmaceutical products.

• Learning how to operate equipment in the manufacturing process.
• Investigating and solving problems and breakdowns.
• Collecting data and analysing it to identify improvement opportunities.
• Carrying out improvement projects with other apprentices and your team.
• Learning about the functions that support manufacturing (laboratory, engineering, logistics and scheduling).
• Assisting in new equipment introductions.
• Ensuring the safety of our people and products.
• Maintaining the quality and accuracy of our products.

What do we offer you?

• Starting salary of £18,400 per year, increasing to £25,400 after 1 year + annual bonus based on company performance. 
• Kickstart a long-term and rewarding career with nationally recognised Manufacturing qualifications. Lots of our current manufacturing Shift Team Leaders and Managers have started their careers as Manufacturing Apprentices, so this is a great starting point! 
• All costs of your apprenticeship will be 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.