Laboratory Apprentice Review

I work as a Laboratory Apprentice at GSK, and am in my final rotation. I currently work in a screening department, and thus run weekly experiments, analyse data, and meet with other scientists to discuss results. I am responsible for two projects and feel I get a good amount of responsibility that stretches me, but I also feel supported by my manager and other senior scientists such that I dont feel overwhelmed.

During the entire course of my apprenticeship, I have learnt many important scientific skills inside and outside the lab, and now I feel competent and equipped to carry out my own experiments and analyse and present my data. There are opportunities to shadow others and learn other skills, including business skills. On top of this, I have been studying towards a foundation degree in Applied bioscience technology and have the opportunity to top-up to a Bsc upon securing a landing role at the end of my apprenticeship.

I find my apprenticeship enjoyable, challenging, and rewarding. However like all things, it does have its difficult and frustrating moments sometimes. Examples include trying to manage keeping up with course deadlines while fulfilling work expectations and obligations. However the experience overall has been overhwhelmingly positive. Generally the culture is positive and inclusive. I dont feel looked down upon or inferior because of being an apprentice, but rather senior staff members include me and give me chances to grow and learn. There is a mentoring programme to help me ask questions and recieve guidance from an independant mentor also. Overall I thoroughly enjoy my apprenticeship, would reccomend it to anyone, and enjoy coming into work in the morning.

I feel that I am both valued and appreciated by both my manager and those I work with. My manager has nominated me for recognition multiple times, and has even encouraged me to nominate myself for external awards. I have recieved recognition awards from others too, even people from other departments wihtin GSK, such as in Shanghai. This makes me feel motivated and that my work has a purpose, which in turn motivates me to work my hardest.

Initially I felt that my apprenticeship wasnt very structured, however this has changed with more support from HR over the years. Generally I am treated as a normal employee, and thus have a measure of autonomy. I like this as I feel trusted to manage my own affairs, however some may feel they would like more structure. I organise my own study sessions for university as agreed with my manager, which makes me flexible and agile. The work I am assigned is much more structured and is directed by the project teams I work with. Overall the stucture is quite flexible, but becoming more defined and structured with each year of refinements from HR.

The university I study with give me some support, but not a lot. If I need support, I need to email a tutor, who may not respond for a day or two. Assignments are generally not marked and returned for a few weeks. However both of these experiences seem to be typical university experiences so I dont think this is unusual. A yearly summer school gives the opportunity to meet face to face with tutors, plus the course supervisor visits us four times a year to answer specific questions and give guidance. Generally I feel this is enough for me, but I know others feel they would like more support. Consequently I run 'drop-in' sessions for more junior apprentices to voice their concerns with more senior apprentices so we can all share experiences and help each other, which seems to help.

My manager is absolutely amazing, and does all she can to help me to succeed. All the staff I have worked with seem firendly, supportive,and know we are 'all on the same team'. This is great because everyone is approachable. My mentor is friendly and informal which makes me feel at ease to discuss difficult topics. Also senior scientists in the lab are helpful and approachable, so if ever I have a problem I can always ask them. Overall I feel GSk supports me to the highest degree, and I feel very secure.

The salary is competitive, and I get a pay rise every six months along with an annual bonus. Pay is performance related, which motivates me to perform well and encourages me when my performance is recognised and awarded. Furthermore recognition awards result in one-off bonuses which are very nice. There is a great perks package including cinema ticket and travel discounts, which is also nice. Overall I am very satisfied.

There are occasionally social events, but not much. There is an onsite gym for excersise and playing sport, and occasionally tornaments and matches are played. However I tend to just work and go home, so I cannot comment much on this.

Yes

GSK is supportive, progressive, and inclusive. The apprenticeship program is a great way to develop your skills, meet and work with excellent scientists, and help deliver medicines to patients. As apprenticeships go, I would say GSK's are among the best!

During the assessment, make sure you focus on how your behaviour shows you are aligned to GSK values. GSK doesnt only want bright minds, but also those who want to change the world for the better and do the right thing.