Lab apprentice Review

I plan relevant experiments, such as infecting tissue with bacteria. Then after this I may run diagnostic techniques such as qPCR or ELISAs on these samples to test for different things. Most days I work in the lab, if not I am analysing data from an experiment and writing it up.

I have learnt so much in a few months. I can now culture cells, and carry out ELISAs, qPCRs, flow cytometry and MSDs (a variation of ELISA). I learnt about ELISA and qPCR at a level, but never thought I would every carry them out. To be honest I never thought I would ever use a centrifuge either, but centrifuges are an essential step in most experiments.

I really enjoy it. In school when watching videos about scientists carrying out a technique all on their own, but that is not the case! Theres always people in the lab and if you need any help your manager is always there!

GSK is great theres a one week team mbuilding week where all the apprentices from all departments in the same year go and its really fun! They give you your own computer and work with so many smart people! We can always progress in this career, most apprentices get a job here after their apprenticeship. They also give you a mentor and a buddy to help you throughout the apprenticeship. Also, there's free hot chocolate!

This programme allows me to work four days a week and then have one study day, as my course is online I stay home to do this. There are only four exams a year, and you only need 70% to get the highest grade!

The university visits four times a year to check how you are doing and to discuss your progress on you course. The course itself is online and theres a lecturer on hand mon-fri to help you if you have any questions. You have to do a bit of further reading to do assignment. This can be annoying, but uni students do this anyway. Its very independent all the work you do.

Lots! If I am struggling with an assignment I can ask people work with such things directly for help. I find this so useful! Also, with experiments if I am struggling or need help I can always ask someone in the lab or my manager, as everyone is so friendly!

Its amazing! I have enough for expenses (rent, bus tickets, food, etc.) and a bit left over to place into savings and spare. Also, we get two salary increases a year as well as a bonus. You can also buy shares of the company. The pay is amazing, especially compared to others going to uni and getting so much debt!

As you get three years worth of experience alongside a degree. This gives you a competitive advantage. Many people leave get offered higher positions at other companies after working here.

Yes

Its great! I get a foundation degrees for free, get paid quite a lot since I only 'work' four days a week and I cant stress this enough-there's free hot chocolate. Also, you are free to do whatever in the evenings and weekends, so there's that

Apply, see if you can get in. I was rejected after my interview, but after results day GSK called saying they have a space and if I want to join. So even if you do get rejected, don't worry-there's always hope. Plus the interview and paragraphs are good practice for your personal statement and uni interviews (even though it sounds like a lot of effort).