Laboratory Analyst Review

My job title is a laboratory analyst. Throughout my time at GlaxoSmithKline I rotate to 4 different labs for 6 months at a time. Therefore my daily tasks vary from lab to lab. In the RSC laboratory I am in at the moment, I am trained in two main tests. I have the same responsibilities as an employed laboratory analyst, I interact with the team on a daily basis internally, and some externally. I have support from the team if I need it, and vica versa. If another analyst requires support on a particular day and I am free to help, I will do so to the best of my ability. I work 8:30-17:00.

On a personal level, i have developed various skills. One major one is confidence, throughout being employed at GSK, i have learnt to become more confident in myself and my surroundings. My scientific knowledge is developing and interpersonal skills. I work with many people on a day-to-day basis which requires people skills. By the end of the two years, i will have a level 3 advanced diploma in applied science which can potentially set me up for a level 5 foundation degree in chemistry or pharmaceuticals. I have learnt a lot through working with different teams particularly how to give constructive feedback to individuals I wouldnt usually approach in that way.

I enjoy the flexibility of my job, and the rotation every 6 months because I rarely get bored. However, because I'm only in each area for a maximum of 6 months, I don't get many responsibilities given to me in that time so it can make it hard to really show what I can do. It has met my expectations in many ways, and I love the way the teams work together at GSK.

I sometimes get appreciation from my manager, mainly when I or another analyst stresses that I have had a challenging day. I have involvement in all meetings the team has, and have been involved in CI projects and JDI's.

My programme seemed well organised initially, however a few things seemed to make my time here a bit rocky. Studying has been a bit of an issue in terms of getting time to complete work, the college is also hard to get to without driving. Training has also been an issue since starting at GSK in every lab, the resources are limited at the time I enter the labs therefore training can be a bit slow. However, having a mentor is an extremely good part of the apprenticeship. Someone i can talk to about anything, work related or personal.

I receive a lot of support from my mentor at GSK, she advises me in work situations and supports personal issues if there are any. She gives me good guidance in how to do well and achieve the best whilst being employed here.

Salary is okay considering I am employed under an apprentice. However, compared to living costs, travel costs and just general daily costs it can be a struggle to have enough money to last the entire month. The location is okay if you drive, however I don't drive therefore have to get an early bus just to get to work on time. Pay rises don't seem to actually increase salary by much.

Yes

Brilliant opportunity for any one coming out of school looking for a scientific career path.

I would encourage any one who is applying for an apprenticeship at this organisation to prepare for the interview process to make yourself stand out. To show good team work skills if possible, and don't be afraid to ask questions (it shows your interested). The application process is the easy bit! The assessment centre is where you need to shine. I would like to have been told what to expect when applying for this apprenticeship, as it seems like as we are the first group of apprentices we are guinea pigs in a way.