Laboratoty Science Apprentice Review

I am an Screening Profiling and Mechanistic Biologist. My daily tasks involve the correct running of safety assays. On a normal day I am required to network substantially across my department and across the world. I support many different people in my role and find myself regularly contacting people from the USA. My responsibilities include the development and safe running of essential assays key to the drug development line. I do not solely support one project, in a single assay I can be supporting upto 16!

I am currently working on my Applied Biosciences degree with Kent university. I also undertake a lot of safety training. On top of this a lot of our training is lab based allowing us to work independently on our projects. I have learnt a wide variety of things being on this apprenticeship course, including; basic lab skills, safety, communication, resilience and have also developed a keen sense of professionalism.

I love my work, its great to feel like youre contributing to something greater. My team are very supportive of me and nurture me to become the best I can possibly be. I really enjoy the atmosphere within GSK, everyone is there to support one another and thrive.

Internally and Externally I feel like we are greatly valued! We have a massive involvement in encouraging a new generation of scientists. When speaking with family and friends they think it is a great accomplishment to be working for GSK and that theyre sponsoring me through a degree.

There is a tonnes of support on hand for all the apprentices. We have regular 1:1's with managers, buddies, supervisors and mentors! Training is always well organised and if I do not understand what is going on I know that I can always ask a colleague for help. I know who the line managers are and what the hierarchy system is, this is all explained within the first month of joining GSK.

Coming straight from school into such a large corporation is very difficult. Its a massive change , however I did find that most people where very understanding an supportive of this. I can ask anyone in my department for help, the support available appear endless. GSK ensures that all apprentices are supported as they know it can really difficult to adjust to the change. GSK employees always seem excited to offer support and training to anyone who asks.

I receive no end of support from the HR team, my mentor and my buddy. They are all one click away if I need any kind of support or guidance regarding anything. Everyone I seek support from have a great attitude towards me and are always keen to help in any way that they can.

Living near London the pay could be a bit better. My salary will not cover all my costs if I were to move out. I travel fairly far and this is costly alone, I cannot afford a flat from my area.

There are many company events- such as orange day where we volunteer in the community, work socials and apprentice socials. We have a gym on site which we can visit and are very local to the town centre. Before I came to work for GSK I was a Wedding and restaurant supervisor.

Yes

Overall it is a really good opportunity to have. There is so much to offer here. If you don't particularly like one area of science there is always another part you can move to, the options of how you make your apprenticeship are endless.

The application process is very lengthy and difficult, however it is definitely worth the hard work put in. The assessment day is a very good opportunity to show GSK who you really are and what you offer, they do not solely base it off of what grades you have, they also take into consideration what kind of personality you present and whether you would live your GSK values. The onboarding process is easy and well organised and and I cannot think of anything I would like to have been told. GSK are very flexible and offer tonnes of support to me.