Laboratory Science Apprentice Review

My role in the Lab is as an analyst, this involves testing of incoming tablets to ensure the meet the required specifications of the various regulatory bodies around the world. This testing ensures the safety of the products for the consumer at the end of the supply chain. Each day brings new experiences, with gaining knowledge and being trained on new machinery and in new techniques.

I have developed many skills specific to laboratory testing, such as operating balances to a high level of accuracy, using Ph meters and in accurate pipetting techniques. I have also learned many new techniques and the use of testing apparatus such as Tablet Processing Workstations, Karl Fisher Coulometric Titrator, Water Activity, and Semi-Automated dissolution. I learned these skills in my first 6 months at GSK and hope to learn much more during my apprenticeship.

I have thoroughly enjoyed my apprenticeship, the work I am given is challenging and rewarding, whist also giving me a sense of accomplishment and pride that I am helping those who need the products GSK provide. The team I work in are helpful and friendly and have made my integration very smooth. The company culture is very social and it has met my expectations in terms of GSK being an enjoyable place to work. I very much enjoy my role at GSK.

The programme is well structured. I received a 2 day induction to site where my responsibilities and key information were given. The structure of my day to day activities is clearly shown in daily meeting with the whole team, while my individual long term expectations are clearly outlined in my monthly 1 to 1 meetings with my manager. As an apprentice I am given a mentor and I am given support in my studying too. This is in the form of study days and consideration of my exam timetable when planning my daily tasks.

I receive support from my employer in my day to day activities with the team I work in and through my manager too. Issues and problems I have are shared and the GSK value of transparency and honesty create a work environment that encourages feedback. The various different ways for me to receive support and reach out are made clear to me consistently.

I am given support through regular face to face meetings to track my progress and ensure I am meeting my targets. Along with this I can contact my training provider directly if I have any questions in general. My module lecturers set aside time to talk to them about my course, while there are also forums online to find solutions more urgently. I am given enthusiastic support and guidance whenever I need it.

My qualification provides a foundational knowledge in chemistry, which aids my understanding at work as my work is laboratory based. It provides understanding and reasoning for the precautions taken and processes involved while working in a laboratory. I feel I know more about my job role and the industry as a whole, due to the work I complete for my qualification.

Prior to COVID, there were many opportunities for social events organized by and ran for the apprentices. There are also many extracurricular activities such as weekly football sessions after work.

Yes

My short time at GSK so far has been a rewarding and challenging experience. The people are welcoming and the company is like a community which you very much feel a part of.

Apply early and ensure your application is diverse. Show how much you enjoy what you do or plan to do. Make sure you highlight what kind of individual you are most importantly.