Laboratory Science Apprentice Review

My role as a laboratory analyst apprentice involves rotations around each of the individual laboratories within the Quality department. In these rotations I interact with a diverse group of people including colleagues and external companies both in person and via email. I gain hands on experience in various techniques such as AA, IR, UV/Vis, HPLC, GC and microbiology techniques. I am also afforded the possibility to take on projects both of my own choosing and assigned by my manager.

I have learnt a large number of new skills. Prior to my apprenticeship I had little knowledge of analytical techniques other than basics covered in school. While undertaking my apprenticeship and the rotations within it I have gained valuable hands-on experience in analytical techniques in a heavily regulated environment. I complete a number of training course which are provided by the company both of my own choosing and mandated ones for my job role. I have also developed soft-skills such as communication and presentation skills by involving myself in external events such as STEM conferences and careers events.

I love my programme. Each day I get to come to work and learn new skills as well as interacting with various people in my teams. My colleagues are fantastic to work with and are all eager to share their vast knowledge with me.

As a member of GSK I feel hugely valued, whichever lab I am in. I am treated as another member of the team and am assigned tasks as such (dependant upon my training and ability level). I regularly receive appreciation from my manager(s) as well as other people (both managers and peers) that I have worked with on various projects. On any project/task I work on I am given the appropriate level of recognition and involved in a similar manner to my colleagues.

The programme is relatively well structures. There is a clear plan albeit this is not always strictly adhered to, and I am consulted when this is the case and the decision explained to me. I receive a very appropriate level of training and support, and whenever I ask for extra training every step is taken to make this a reality. I am allowed adequate time to study and complete my college work and if I request extra time this is afforded to me. I have a very good mentor who meets with me to discuss every aspect of my working/studying life and determine if I am having any issues.

I receive an appropriate level of support from the training provider, they regularly check in to ascertain how I am doing. They set up three-monthly meetings to have an in depth review of how I am doing in all aspects. I have various contact details for the training provider in case I have any issues and I can flag these contemporaneously. They are always very helpful and do their best to support me however possible.

My employer are very keen to support me in every aspect of my working life. My manager is always ready to help me with any issues and regularly checks in to make sure I am okay. My mentor sits down with me frequently to check how I am doing and if I require assistance with anything. If I have any problems they are always keen to help me and involve me in coming to an appropriate solution. They are keen to support me in any projects or tasks I take on.

My salary is very appropriate both for the work I do, my age and experience, and my financial situation with regards to living costs and payments etc. My travel costs are minimal and when I drive to college the travel expenses I receive are very good. The site is close to where I live.

I am allowed to interact in many extra events outside of work. There are a number of company events which I am encouraged to attend such as networking events with other apprentices and STEM events at local schools.

Yes

GlaxoSmithKline is a very friendly company who have a large number of opportunities for young people, from summer jobs to apprenticeships. Once you have a job with the company there are a wide range of opportunities with the company to improve you skills, both analytical and soft-skills.

I would advise people to be truthful in their application and interview sessions, to relax and be themselves, nerves are understandable but try to push them to one side. The interviewers expect you to be nervous, its how you deal with the nerves that is important. I would advise people to use their colleagues wide knowledge base and to ask questions about everything to improve their own knowledge.