Manufacturing Apprentice Review

For the first year of my apprenticeship, I am spending my time in college, completing the PEO and HNC manufacturing qualifications. I am spending 5 days a week, 9-4 in college, before going on site in June when colleges shut. After inductions on site I will be shadowing operators on shift and learning the trade, which may include kegging etc, until I am signed off as competent to work unsupervised.

As I am still in my first year at college, I have been gaining a lot of new skills during the courses, both hands-on and computer skills. I have learned how to program and operate CNC machines, how to operate mills and lathes, while also learning how to weld etc.

I really enjoy my programme as I am able to learn key skills which I can transfer onto site when it comes to the summer. I have also been able to meet a lot of new people, who have made the experience even more enjoyable. During my time in college, my manager has been in contact with me, making sure everything has been going well, which helps to be in contact with the site.

My programme is structured extremely well, the first year at college gives you qualifications and key skills to allow you to set yourself a benchmark. These skills can be transferred onto site to allow you to work effectively and do a good job for your company. The skills you learn in college are there to allow you to improve on them during the rest of the apprenticeship.

I receive a lot of support from my employer. My manager is always in contact with me during my course at college to make sure I have everything I need, and to make sure everything is going well. There are also helplines within the company where I can speak to someone for extra help, should I ever need it.

In college I receive a lot of support, should I need any clarification on anything or any advice, I can go to student support, or to any one of the lecturers and they will gladly help. They provide all the necessary information towards gaining the qualifications and are happy to give extra support should we ask for it.

The skills we gain and improve on in college are those that can be transferred to work and become a benchmark, to which we can further improve on the job. There are a number of hands-on skills I am learning in college, which I may well be given the opportunity to use on site.

At work, we are given the opportunity in our first year to attend a resilience event, where all UK apprentices attend. Also, in April, we have the opportunity to go on an outward bound course in the Lake District. UK apprentices will be in attendance, as well as other apprentices from other countries.

Yes

GSK is a fantastic company to be a part of, you are looked after well and are given the best opportunities to further improve yourself and your skills. You are given the chance to meet so many new people in your first year especially, while at college, as well as extra-curricular activities. During our second year we are able to gain the experience of working on site, meeting the teams and learning the trade on the job.

For others applying, I would say, should you be given the chance to work for this company, you should jump at that chance, you will not regret it. Be the best you can be, always put yourself forward and push yourself to try do new things and go to these extra-curricular events.