Lab apprentice (Biology) Review

I work in Discovery and New technologies within a research unit at GSK. I have had many different roles both in the lab performing experiments and within the wider department.

The apprenticeship for me has really enabled me to grow and develop in so many ways. I've developed confidence in public speaking and giving presentations, effectively communicating both in my team and developing a wide network across the company. Meanwhile, developing my scientific understanding, applying theory into practice, and solving problems to effectively carry out experiments and generate important data. This has developed my knowledge and critical thinking, as well as the ability to contribute to a high performing team.

Overall I have really enjoyed my program - I have learnt so much academically and practically, and have developed skills that I otherwise wouldn't have if I had gone to university. My team is super friendly and very supportive, and always willing to help if I need. I also feel valued by the team which is important. Balancing work responsibilities and studies at the same time can be challenging, especially around exam period, but with good support this can be well managed and is well worth it.

The program is well structured, and has improved a lot over the last few years. The university keeps in contact and is on hand for any concerns or problems you may have. They also visit site every few months to check up on all the apprentices and keep track of our progress. The apprenticeship is split up into 4 days a week of work and your lab based role, and 1 day a week designated as your study day. Uni work is split up into weekly sized sub-modules, with designated material for you to cover on your study day, making the course properly structured for an apprentice.

GSK has been a very very supportive company, both for work related matters and personal ones. My team has been great in supporting my development as a scientist, teaching me and advising me and pushing me to a place where I feel independent and confident inside and outside the lab. On a day to day level, my manager and supervisor are always on hand if I need them, and are particularly supportive around exam time, and allowing me extra time to study should I need it.

The university is good at offering support. Module leaders release time and make themselves available for 1:1 support online. Representatives from the university are also around to provide support and help if you need extra time for coursework if work has been very busy, and are supportive of the fact that we have to balance work deadlines with university deadlines.

I'm working towards a foundation degree in Applied Biosciences, which I will be able to top up to a full bachelors after my apprenticeship. The foundation degree covers all of the basics for the first couple of modules, but the later modules I have found have been more relevant and detailed to my area of science and have helped provide a better foundation of knowledge. I think as I complete the later modules they will continue to have more of an impact as they become more specialised.

So many. In terms of social events , each year there is a couple of apprentices that act as 'social Leads' for your region, who arrange social events for apprentices to go out and meet and socialise just as you would at uni. There is an apprentice and IP summer and winter 'ball' which is a great opportunity to meet other students too and have a fun night out. Each year GSK sends apprentices on a development week - where all apprentices in your year get to spend a week having fun and making friends, whilst developing your skills in different areas. These for me have been one of the highlights of the scheme, it was so much fun, and both in really beautiful places too. There is also the opportunity to become a STEM ambassador, and promoting apprenticeships in STEM to students and young people in a range of environments. From the national Big Bang Fair, to local school career events or open evenings on site. I've also has the opportunity to attend conferences relating to my team's area of science, and I know other apprentices that have been abroad on conferences and collaboration projects.

Yes

The apprenticeship offers so much - opportunities to meet so many people and make a wide network, developing skills, a (free!) degree, 3 years experinece working in a lab that you wouldn't have got if you were at uni, and a wage. I went to uni for a year and decided to do an apprenticeship and for me it was such a good decision. other apprentices say the same who spend time at uni before coming to GSK to do an apprenticeship too. It can be hard at times getting the balance right between managing uni and work, but is so worth it.

Be yourself. GSK wants to see what you are like more as a person than anything else. Have a look at the company and their values and see whether they are things that resonate with you. I'm a massive advocate for apprenticeships, and my advice would be to apply even if you are also applying for uni. It just gives you more options later on.