Engineering Apprentice Review

As an Engineering Appentice, I got involved in a wide range of operations across site and got to experience multiple types of roles. The programme mainly leads towards a Technician role, but there are many other Engineering jobs available so the programme is catered towards your skills. In my experience as an apprentice, I rotated around 3 areas on site. This includes working with Technicians in different areas of the factory, such as production manufacturing, building services and instrumentation and calibration. In each of these roles I supported the Engineering team and was mentored by Technicians who taught me the skills required to be a Technician in that area. I got exposure to the machines and various processes that are required in the role such as raising paperwork and ordering spares. A majority of the engineering work I did was Controls related such as password management, user interface and process improvements and software upgrade. My landing role was with the Automation team which supports the factory operations by providing expert automation skills such as software programming and hardware installation. A number of these roles were project aligned so I gained experience in team work and project management.

As part of my Technician training I gained a wide range of skills in Electrical and Mechanical maintenance, calibration and instrumentation, fault finding and general engineering activities. I have also developed more specialist skills as part of my apprenticeship, this includes specific software training such as PLC coding, as well as machinery training for unique production machines used on site. I have also developed a range of 'soft' skills such as project management, effective communication and time management.

I enjoyed my programme because you get such a wide range of experience that is vital in the engineering industry. I have learnt how to be flexible in my learning so that I can move around various areas on site and be able to effectively perform my role and not be limited so only certain tasks. I have also enjoyed both the training and social opportunities I have been offered throughout my programme, these include overseas training courses, going to supplier factories across the country and abroad as part of projects, attending apprentice-only events such as outward bound which combines life skills with outdoor activities and developing relationships with other apprentices across the company.

The programme is structured to some extend, but this can be flexible depending on your strengths and preferences, as well as future career goals. The typical programme consists of 6-12 month rotations round different roles and areas within Engineering, the areas in which you are based can vary depending on how suited the role is to your strengths and goals and where the company deems it suitable. For example, if an apprentice was mechanically biased and wanted to be a Technician, a rotation in Automation Engineering may not be as suitable as a rotation around the production areas as a Technician.

The apprentices all have a line manager who provides support with training opportunities and plans the rotations for each apprentice, while also keeping an eye on the apprentices education needs and progress. Each apprentice will also have a mentor and manager within the area they are working, often the mentor is someone in the same role that the apprentice is working towards, so they can support them in their on site learning and development in that area.

The training provider provides regular support and guidance for completion of qualifications such as NVQs that are completed in the work place. They also provide education support through the college. While the support is regular and they keep on top of the apprentices progress, I have had some experience of ineffective communication between the training provider, the college and the workplace. This can result in a clash of priorities for the apprentice as it can be challenging to maintain college work, training and performing the job role.

The qualifications I completed as part of my apprenticeship, a HNC and NVQ in Electrical and Electronic Engineering, has provided a solid foundation of knowledge that I can apply, to some extent, in the workplace. Modules such as electrical safety are particularly important. While some modules do not reflect exactly what is required in my role, I have found that I have developed effective time management and prioritisation skills which are vital in the workplace. The qualification was also required as I am now completing a degree as part of my permanent job - without the apprenticeship this would not have been possible.

There are loads of events that apprentices can get involved in. Some mandatory events such as outward bound are very enjoyable as they do provide skills that can be taken into the workplace while meeting other apprentices, doing activities such as rock climbing and kayaking and having a good time in general. There are also social events organised by a central group of apprentices who volunteer to organise events such as boat parties and days out. I have also attended multiple STEM events, some at the IET, which is useful for networking. Our site also has many sports facilities and has a football team, cricket team, squash club etc etc

Yes

GSK provides so many opportunities that even if youre not 100% on what your career will look like, it is a great starting point and really sets you up for life. The apprenticeship and the company has a great reputation so the opportunites for after the apprenticeship in terms of your career, both with or outside of GSK are endless. There are many benefits that coincide with a large company such as pension, healthcare, salary, training, social and career development so its a really great place to start.

Be honest on your CV, GSK employs people not only on their skills but on their potential, so you should that you are willing to take on the challenges that come with an apprenticeship and cease every opportunity that comes your way. Be open with your career plan as there are many jobs that you don't know exist until you enter the company.