Design & Artwork Apprentice Review

During my apprenticeship I will cover all the current roles within the RSC: CAD Operator, Artwork Operator, PCA, Proof Reader and PASS Creative team work. Currently, as a PCA in the technical documents team, I’m accountable for customer relationships and overseeing the specification/drawing change process from beginning to end, working with sites in Europe, USA and Asia Pacific. Once a week I work on logo creation. A brief is delivered from the PASS Creative team in Verona, which I then work upon and prepare several options to support the work of the team. Additionally, projects include a jersey/poster design for the site EHS Manager’s charity ‘Tour de France’ ride; assisting the graduates ‘Orange Day’ preparations; liaising with employees at GSK in Ulverston to arrange a visit for our apprentices to see a primary site and preparation towards delivering a presentation on the apprenticeship scheme at an employer apprenticeship awareness gathering.

? Due to the diversity of the apprenticeship, it’s difficult to single out the most significant. I feel I have made significant progress in my competency of the various software we use in the office. I have gained or am currently gaining qualifications in software such as the Adobe Creative Suite, 3DS Max and AutoCAD and feel confident using them all when last year I had never touched them before. The experience and qualifications in this software is invaluable in the design industry.

I enjoy the variety of work in this programme. My tasks change day to day and this keeps things fresh and new, I work with different people everday both in the office and with clients all over the world. My team is a pleasure to work in and I enjoy coming to work to tackle whatever it is I may be doing that day.

GSK always emphasize that apprentices are the future of the company. They make the effort to keep us in employment after our time is finished. I have been sent to represent the company on occassions and they have invested a lot of money into me. Sometimes I feel i'm not worth all the money they spend on me but it makes me feel valued.

We have a programme which we follow. Obviously in a working environment things dont always go to plan so there are often deviations. However, on the whole, we stick to the plan whenever possible and we know what we are doing and when.

Because I cover a number of roles during my apprenticeship I have a number of different of different tutors. So far all my tutors have been very approachable and able at delivering the training. I've enjoyed the roles and feel as though I have learned the techniques and processes to the best of my ability.

Any problems I may have, whether they are work related or not, I have no problems getting help from my colleagues or boss. I feel very comfortable in this respect.

I moved out when I got my apprenticeship and I still manage to cover my living costs whilst eating well and running a car. As long as you're careful with your money there is no reason why you cant cover your costs.

At GSK you get access to their sports centre for a very good price. I have been to employer mornings, done presentations at schools andeven had the oppertunity to meet Princess Anne at the BQF awards in London. GSK often send me on courses all over the country and there is also talk of working abroad at some point in the near future.

Yes

They value my training and progression more than they value my work output. Therefore they are constantly looking to improve my skills rather than piling work on me and trying to get their moneys worth from me. The staff are all friendly and make me feel welcome.

Work on your application form to make it as good as you can. This is all the information about you that they will have to look at before making a decision. Be confident and talk through your strengths without coming across as over confident. Be polite on your assessment day and remember it's better to over dress than under dress. Find out about the whole scheme before hand. a 4 year scheme at this stage of your life is a long time and will likely shape your career for the rest of your life. So make sure you are interested.