What is it like to be a GSK apprentice?

To be an artwork and design apprentice is great, the opportunities that are available are outstanding and there is always the feeling that we have potential, not only on a personal level, but also potential to learn and expand our knowledge of the artwork and design environment.

What does your Apprenticeship involve?

The apprenticeship is a 4 year program, since starting work in September 2012 we have worked in several areas. Starting in the Computer Aided Design team, we learn all aspects of this type of work and study a City & Guilds Level 3 in AutoCAD. We spend time with colleagues learning various skills, processing information and customer services. We work with colleagues learning the graphic design elements. Currently we are learning the artwork operator role in which we will spend the majority of our time doing.

We have also been studying several college courses consisting of a Level 3 BTEC diploma in Art & Design, Level 3 NVQ in design, Level 3 City & Guilds in AutoCAD, Adobe Certified Associates in Illustrator, InDesign and Photoshop CS6. There will be other courses during the apprenticeship program.

What made you apply for the apprenticeship at GSK?

Living in and around a town where a large majority of the population work for the Barnard Castle GSK site, we had knowledge of how fortunate you would be to get an apprenticeship with such a well known company. The apprenticeships first came to our attention while we were studying at college where we both realised it would suit us better than going to University. The idea of getting paid to learn, gaining qualifications and valued experience in the mature work environment sealed the deal.

“I have always been encouraged by my parents to get an apprenticeship, start earning a living and a career in something. As apprenticeships seemed to be a thing of the past and seemed to be hard to come by, when this apprenticeship with GSK came to my attention it seemed silly not to apply. I’m pleased that apprenticeships have become more recognised and regarded once again. It seemed like the better option to me rather than going to University and I wasn’t wrong.” – Bradley

Did you always want to do this as your job?

“No, when I started College I wanted to become an engineer. I did a Level 3 engineering course at a local college. After completing the course I then decided I wanted to get into something related to product design or architecture. My college tutor told me about GSK’s engineering apprenticeship. I went onto the website to look into it and I found that an Art and Design Apprenticeship was available which caught my eye straight away. I immediately thought this role would best suit me and applied.” - Peter

Would you recommend a GSK apprenticeship to anyone?

We would definitely recommend a GSK apprenticeship. Not only are you getting paid and working in the adult environment, but you are also learning and gaining qualifications. It’s the start of your career. The opportunities are huge and you feel valued and well looked after. In our opinion you couldn’t ask for a better company than GSK to start your career as an apprentice in.