Laboratory Science (Chemical Science) Apprentice Review
at GSK
Degree Apprenticeship
Chemistry
Hertfordshire
Review Submitted: April 2026
Overall Rating
4.5 /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!
4.5/5
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Overview of Role
5/5
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Skills Development
4.4/5
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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
The role involves completing quality control chemical analysis on the products we manufacture here. Each day starts with a team meeting and then I typically test about 4 batches using different testing methods. There are various other tasks in the labs such as prepping solvents and completing safety confirmations so the days can be varied. In the labs, our days are planned for us so we follow a list of tasks.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
5/5
So far (1st year) the apprenticeship has opened up lots of opportunities and its really inspiring to be working for such a large global company. There will be opportunities for me to rotate between labs which will be a good chance to get trained on lots of machines and test methods.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
5/5
The apprenticeship has definitely taken me out of my comfort zone. I have had to develop communication skills to communicate with colleagues of various ages and backgrounds. I have gained lots of analytical skills through training in software. And grown in confidence through presenting to colleagues and leading tours of the labs.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
4/5
Hard to comment as a 1st year but there do seem to be opportunities to rotate labs yearly. It's not directly communicated at the start, but this gives opportunities for the apprenticeship to be flexible to suit your interests and the company's needs.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
5/5
GSK has a lot of support within the Early Talent Team such as development days and there are opportunities to get buddied up with other apprentices and people more senior in the company if you proactively seek them out.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
4/5
The university provides online lectures every week. Each year there is a week long residential which is great as you get to meet the lecturers and other course mates who work for other companies.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
4/5
The Chemical Science degree gives you a basic understand of some of the techniques used in the labs, though it doesn't align perfectly as each apprentice on the course has a different work environment.
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
There are lots of sports clubs at the social club such as volleyball, kayaking, badminton, netball etc. and apprentices organise social events for us to meet outside of work.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend GSK to a friend?
Yes
Why?
GSK is a great company who values its employees. The apprenticeship scheme is a great way to start your career.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to GSK?
Try to tailor your application for the role and company, but importantly just go for it! Be confident in the skills you already have :)
