apprentice Review

A vast amount of training was covered during the first year including an NVQ and BTEC qualifications, developing the foundations for life in the workplace as well as aquiring safe working practices. Since returning to work learning has continued and increased exponentially, with responsibilities of maintaining machinery to problem solving and working through projects. Despite only being an apprentice i have been fully immersed.

I have learnt a lot of new skills at college, the workshop is really eye opening and probably the best part of college, being able to keep what I've made after it's been assessed is a good intensive to get your finishes correct as the tool could last longer than you. I've also developed some computing skills and learnt a lot more about the business as a whole.

I am enjoying the day to day tasks and the team are all very helpful in their own different ways, some are more experienced than others, however the less experienced tradesmen give a useful insight into new tried and tested methods of carrying out a job. I am proud to work for such a highly respected company worldwide.

Working at GSK i feel really valued, the amount of confidence and resources the put into you is amazing, the will help as much as they can and will make you feel like part of a big family. They always have a laugh and make you feel welcome. I know who i can speak to if i also have a problem and i think they look after all their employees really well and value every single one of us.

The first year was spent full time with a structured timetable at college, this was organised and easy to follow. For the 2nd, 3rd and 4th year we have a detailed plan, which showed us rotating around the departments on our plant and any external training we receive. During college term time we will spent each Tuesdays at college for our theory day. This works well as we get plenty of time to learn practical skills and also enough time to learn the theory.

We get a lot of help if we ever need it at college, the tutors see us as humans and realise that we are going to be in real world situations and that we need to know what we are doing in order to succeed. Overall I would like a little improvement though from my tutors at college, maybe more one-to-one talks but i do enjoy the help given in lessons and on emails outside of the lesson time if needed.

If we ever get stuck on anything GSK are on top of it almost straight away! with the help of a private maths tutor recommended by the college we were put back on track with our maths and the assignments. My employer always talks to the tutors at college so they are obviously keeping track of the apprentices and learning where abouts we may need help with our college work and how they can also help us too.

considering im an apprentice the pay is really good i have enough to drive my car and go on nights out and still have enough to put into savings for a rainy day, if there are any training courses away from work or college you can claim back fuel if you need to drive or work will provide train tickets. In the future i hope my salary rises as i plan to purchase a car in the next year or two and maybe even renting a flat somewhere closer to work too.

We have a lot of opportunities to meet other apprentices from all over the country, we have a lot of training both in work like fire extinguisher training as well as opportunities to go to GSKs head office to do training and team building days. Occasionally some supervisors will organise a night out one weekend for the staff they work with so this is really nice and the apprentices are often invited too.

Yes

GSK is a brilliant company to work for with a great team and brilliant training, the managers will try to support and help if you need it and will always listen to your opinions on something, the day to day working life is brilliant as there is not one day that's the same as another keeping you interested in what your doing. The staff benefits are a real plus to working at GSK with share schemes and Cycle to work schemes available.

Make sure you know what it is you want to do before you apply, and research or take part in qualifications based on that trade or job type. If you have an relevant experience then add that into your application and make sure the company know you are passionate about that given field. Be friendly confident and interact with others being interviewed, don't act like its a competition even if they do. Most importantly enjoy the experience.