Laboratory Apprentice Review

Day to Day my job role involves setting up a range of chemical reactions, purifying and then analysing the analytical data from these reactions so that the compounds made can be submitted for testing. There is also a requirement reply to E-mails/ attending meetings (scientific and yearly-objective related) and general admin.

Yes, my practical and theoretical chemistry skills have come on massively since starting the apprenticeship programme and have been involved in training other people in these practical skills. I've had to learn lots of Excel and Powerpoint tips as well as other data analysis packages as these are commonly used in my chemistry role. I've also learnt communication and time management skills

Work can be very busy and stressful at times, there is a strong company culture of respect and integrity but within chemistry it is a very results driven department meaning there is little room for fun- it is quite a straight-laced atmosphere which I wasn't expecting to that degree. Enjoyment can be very dependent on the Team and department you are in.

Ongoing training and studying is organised very well at GSK with a dedicated study day for university work, mentoring readily available and yearly development weeks which are really enjoyable and informative. There are lots of opportunities available to learn new skills and take on additional development opportunities- there is an encouragement to get involved in STEM which are a good way of developing skills outside of your team.

Support from my manager and the rest of the team has always been available and they've coached me through many different scenarios and problems- they're always warm and welcoming and I never feel nervous about sharing thoughts/feelings on topics. HR are also happy to help with any questions although its more common to have to reach out to them for support, trying to find a job within GSK after my apprenticeship was hard and relied on lots of pro-activeness from myself, I would have expected more support/clarity from HR at times.

University tutors and advisors are always available and quick to answer any questions I have regarding coursework/exam material. There is regular 1:1s with an apprenticeship advisors to track progress and raise any concerns about the course. For the most part though it's up to the apprentice to work through the material as there are no lectures just reading material, videos and coursework tasks. They university have been very good with offering additional support for exams/coursework writing.

You have the choice of 5 optional modules of which you can pick 3 that are the most relevant to your role whilst offering the opportunity to explore different topics. Therefore the theory and soft-skills learned through the qualification these can be applied to my role to help me preform better in my day to day role.

There is a Christmas party and social events organised by the apprentice community but these aren't very often. There was a lunchtime 5 a side competition but these were cancelled due to health and safety concerns. There is a gym available at a good price but generally there isn't much of a social scene within work but that leaves opportunity to get involved with personal hobbies outside of work. Social opportunities are better at other sites (Ware,London sites) and in other departments beside chemistry.

Yes

GSK employees receive a good salary with good financial and health benefits with a yearly bonus and salary rise meaning that the job is financially secure and rewarding. The company is generally respectful to employees' concerns and treats everyone fairly. It provides lots of developmental opportunities to improve upon skills.

Research the company's history and its core values and expectancies which are very important at GSK, try and base answers on your application form around these. The assessment day involves group exercises, carrying out a short experiment in the lab and an individual interview. They aren't looking for the finished product on the day but applying yourself fully to the tasks makes candidates stand out.