Laboratory Science- Chemistry Apprentice Review

I work as part of a project team to take a reaction process from mg to kg whilst finding ways to increase reaction yields and purity, decreasing solvent volumes needed and replacing harmful solvents for safer alternatives. I am also a lead user on two pieces of equipment which means that I am responsible for making sure that all of the equipment is fit for use. Day to day, I usually come in to work early and put on a reaction. In between reaction stages I answer my emails, go to project meetings, get coffee with colleagues and sign off equipment for use.

Before starting my apprenticeship I didn't have much experience with practical chemistry and now I am able to run full processes on my own with reliable results. I have also been fortunate enough to develop new skills through attending training courses for using/ fixing equipment, working with specific technology and I've also learnt how to write up my lab work.

I really enjoy my programme as I'm able to make my apprenticeship my own by sitting down with my manager and arranging development days in other departments, shadowing colleagues to find out more about what they're working on and finding opportunities to further my development in my job role.

My programme is very well structured but it's also flexible enough that I can make it my own. There are annual apprentice development events such as resilience and outward bound that happen with all UK/International apprentices within our apprentice year groups as well as apprentice symposiums and quarterly apprentice meetings.

GSK are super supportive of all of their apprentices. In my case, I have a supervisor who checks in with me daily, weekly one to ones with my manager and a quarterly one to one with my programme manager who all make sure that I'm happy and enjoying my role. I know that should I ever have a problem I can drop anyone of them a message and they'll help me.

I have an apprenticeship advisor to support me throughout the duration of my apprenticeship who I meet in person for reviews every 6 weeks. Every module I take also has a module convenor who is around for contact if I have any questions about the content of the module I'm taking.

As part of my qualification I get to choose some of the modules that I take so that they are more relevant to my job role. I have also been able to swap the order that I learn some of my modules in so that I'm learning the key content that's most applicable to my role first whilst still taking all of my required modules.

There are plenty of extra-curricular activities to get involved in at my workplace. We have a gym on site that hosts loads of exercise classes and there are quite a few sports teams as well, for instance, we have a department netball team! There are also loads of apprentice socials that get organised by our special apprentice NxtGen team.

Yes

The people you meet at GSK are some of the friendliest people ever and the working environment at GSK is really relaxed. It's widely recognised that everyone has their own ways of working and most people work hours that suit them in order to maintain a work-life balance that suits them.

My top tips and advice for applying would be: -Stay calm and relaxed- don't panic! -Be your authentic self and be enthusiastic throughout the recruitment process -No one is expecting you to be an expert in your job role when applying -Do your research before applying/interview -Try and do some sort of work experience in the industry you're trying to join