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Higherin
GSK

Digital and Technology Solutions Apprentice Review

at GSK

Degree Apprenticeship

Computer Science

Stevenage

Review Submitted: April 2025

Overall Rating

4.1 /5

The Overall Rating is the average of all the ratings given in each category. We take those individual ratings and combine them into one final score!

4/5 - Overview of Role
3/5 - Skills Development
4.2/5 - Structure and Support

Overview of Role

Please give an overview of your role and what this involves on a day-to-day basis:
4/5
My role focuses on evaluating emerging technology and automation solutions and implementing them in the workplace to streamline the workflow of scientists. My day-to-day role also involves researching innovative technology solutions, creating engaging and interactive e-learning courses for training and reference purposes, and using industry-standard software to manipulate data and implement automation across the business.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
4/5
I can confidently say that Im enjoying my apprenticeship. Everyone on my team is very friendly and have warmly welcomed me - I felt like a member of the team quickly after joining. The same goes for my manager, who has created a comfortable work environment for me and helped me to integrate into the team by involving me in ongoing projects and giving me projects of my own to work on. I enjoy the work I do - even though it doesnt lean as heavily into coding/software development as I was expecting, I feel that the work I do is having an impact and my team often expresses gratitude for it which is very reassuring. Having the opportunity to work with AR technology is also a big plus as Im quite passionate about it. The university side is also enjoyable; the programme leads make me feel welcome, and although the coursework can be heavy at times, Im enjoying the course and getting value from it.

Skills Development

Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
3/5
I have learned how to effectively use a range of automation and data manipulation software such as MS Power Automate, Power BI, and Power Apps. I have also covered data modelling on my university course. This experience has improved my understanding of data and ability to manipulate data effectively and present it in a useful format, which I feel is a valuable skill. I have also gained proficiency in creating interactive e-learning content using AR platforms and Articulate 360. Existing skills I have developed include presenting my work to others and communicating with team members to coordinate work on projects. Currently, my role rarely involves code-based programming so I havent yet had much of a chance to develop my coding or software development skills.

Structure and Support

How well organised/structured is your programme?
3/5
I always spend one day of my working week attending lectures on-campus or completing independent study. This consistency and my regular attendance at the university has allowed me to form a routine easily and remain continually engaged in both my work and study. My university schedule - including which modules I am taking and when - as well as the grading structure are given to me well enough in advance for me to prepare for them and fit them around my working schedule. From my experience so far, my university workload switches from laid-back to heavy at different times in the year, as I am either taking no modules (self-study) or a single module with minimal coursework, or two modules at once, both with heavy coursework. It would be nice if the workload was more balanced across the year (e.g. a single module one-after-the-other throughout the year).
How much support do you receive from your employer?
5/5
My employer provides a great deal of support to ensure that I am enjoying my role and managing my both my work and university workloads well. They are making the effort to understand the schedule and requirements of my university course, and get me involved in different projects/areas of the business so that I can evidence that I am applying what Ive learnt to the workplace and meeting the criteria of the course. I have regular check-ins with multiple colleagues and management at different levels, including my mentor who is a degree apprentice at a later stage of their course. As a result, I feel that I have a very strong support network that I could comfortably bring up any issues with and be heard.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
4/5
My lecturers and course leaders are all accessible via email and Teams, and respond very quickly. I have progress review meetings with my manager and the employee liaison tutor together every few months to touch base and ensure everythings going well on both sides of the programme. The programme leaders have explained to us how to track the completion of our course and what is expected of us. Each cohort has two student representatives elected that bring student feedback about the course to the leadership team every few months. It seems that feedback is desired and often being taken into account.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
4/5
I have already been able to apply my studies of data modelling to the workplace, which has been very useful and allowed me to be a more valuable member of my team. Receiving a refresher on Python through the university was also helpful as I have started to use it in the workplace. I would say that there is a good emphasis on practical application in the course content which is great to see.
Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)
5/5
Plenty! I regularly play football and badminton and use the gym at the on-site sports hall, and also play chess at lunch every so often. Im part of the apprentice social committee for my site which organises social events for all the apprentices usually around once a month. There are also wider social events on-site including quizzes, bingo, and yearly apprentice trips/networking events. As well as that, there are professional networking events and opportunities to talk at schools.

Recommendations & Advice

Would you recommend GSK to a friend?
Yes
Why?
The workplace atmosphere of GSK feels fairly relaxed, but at the same time hard-working, and practically every interaction Ive had at work has been warm and friendly. There are plenty of great benefits and social events, and my quality of life has definitely improved since joining. My manager and my team have empowered me to feel proud of my work, and its clear the company makes a proper effort to support apprentices and give them the time and resources they need for their studies.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to GSK?
The impression I got from the application process is that GSK are looking for people that have a good attitude and are good team players just as much as they are competent and skilled. The application process is long and has many stages, but dont get disheartened and stick with it - give each stage your best shot, and youll rise through the ranks before you realise it. Also, you may be asked to deliver a presentation on a topic of your choice. If you are, Id say its best to choose something youre genuinely passionate about, and then see if you can relate that to the role youre applying for within the presentation.
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