Biology laboratory scientist (Degree apprentice) Review
at GSK
Degree Apprenticeship
Science
Stevenage
Review Submitted: April 2026
Overall Rating
3.4 /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!
3.5/5
-
Overview of Role
5/5
-
Skills Development
3/5
-
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
I am a lab based scientist working on developing cells to be made in to drug product. I mainly lead projects, present work, do data analysis and create process developments.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
3/5
I love my job, the team I work with and my company overall, however there has been some flaws in the way the course was delivered / communications by both the university and the workplace provider.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
5/5
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
2/5
I have been informed that this has improved for more recent yeargroups / future applicants, however there was a huge lack of organisation and miscommunications from the university at various points. The lecturers and staff were all lovely, it was just course structure and deadlines that were an issue. Lack of awareness of company procedures. The employer also very much made us hopeful of landing roles, however I am only aware of one person in our entire cohort securing a landing role due to company changes and I was also made redundant from my original role within one month of joining. Apparently they have changed their wording surrounding landing roles for future apprentices.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
3/5
My team is great but there needs to be more communication and support from management particularly in regards to landing roles. There is also not enough study time secured in higher pressure roles. Also lack of funding for courses and conferences.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
3/5
Enough, but it could be better.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
3/5
Largely irrelevant and chemistry based (which we fed back and the curriculum is being updated).
Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)
4/5
Yes, but lack of networking events
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend GSK to a friend?
Yes
Why?
Great opportunity to get your foot in the door to science.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to GSK?
Make sure you know landing roles are getting much more sparce and there is currently lack of career progression available across much of the scientific side of the company. Take advantage of any opportunity you can as they are also becoming rarer due to funding.
