Manufacturing Apprentice Review

On a day to day basis I make cream, I Have to interact with my shift team to co-ordinate all of the difference aspects that go into making a cream which includes dispensing the raw material, using high level equipment and ensure that you have everything to allow the process to start.

I have learnt how dispense raw materials, I am able to follow a procedure that is set in place, I can weigh up goods to a high level of accuracy and set up equipment to be used in the manufacturing process, I can clean the equipment which is used to manufacture and I can work well as a team to keep manufacture going

I really enjoy what I am doing, everyday is different for me and I learn lots of new skills and techniques. I wouldn't change it for any other programme. The amount of people you meet with different experiences and skills training you just helps you even more. You learn a lot

My apprenticeship is fairly well structured, I get a lot of training through my job on site and also training at college and other courses that we do as part of this apprenticeship. You get eased into your job role but also get to be a trusted member of staff

I receive a great deal of support from my employer, if I ever need help with anything all I need to do is ask, most things if not all issues will get sorted out for you to ensure that your apprenticeship is as smooth as it can be and that you can progress well without any obstacles in your way.

We all get a lot of support from our training provider, they ensure that we understand what we need to do and know how to answer the questions for exams. If we ever need help we can always email them and they are happy to get back to us with any support required as fast as they can.

it gives me a greater insight into my job role and it impacts how I look at and how I operate the equipment and machinery. it makes me more familiar with the equipment that I am using and makes me more confident when I use it as I know more about it

There are lots of activities to get involved it at work, we are currently being put through a D OF E scheme in which you have to work with the other apprentices to complete. There has been charity football matches which involves the apprentices. You can do job swaps where you get to shadow someone who has a different job to you and they get to do the same to you. There are also a whole range of other opportunity's as well.

Yes

It is a great place to work, the academic side is great for learning new skills, the on the job training side is very good as you get to see and learn the daily goings of the job whilst still learning. Everyone is friendly and will help you to train.

Be yourself, don't try to be anyone else because you will be accept for who ever you are, try to find out as much as you can about GSK as prior knowledge can help you in the future. Take your time, you will have a lot of time to apply, don't rush it .