Manufacturing Apprentice Review
at GSK
Higher Level Apprenticeship
Pharmaceutical
Irvine
Review Submitted: April 2026
Overall Rating
4.9 /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!
5/5
-
Overview of Role
5/5
-
Skills Development
4.8/5
-
Structure and Support
Overview of Role
Please give an overview of your role and what this involves on a day-to-day basis:
5/5
The first year of my apprenticeship was structured as 4 days a week at college to complete a HNC and PEO course, with one day a week on site. Now in my second and third year, I work full time on-site. I work on a shift pattern too, consisting of 12 hour day and night shifts. I am gaining industry experience on how to safely control equipment and machinery, as well as expanding my knowledge and gaining additional academic qualifications through my SVQ portfolio which accounts towards my SVQ qualification.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
5/5
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
5/5
I have developed my communication and teamwork skills, collaborating with my colleagues. I have also furthered my decision making and analytical skills by learning how to analyse data and trends, then using the information acquired to make changes to/or alter the conditions (temperature, pH) of equipment to ensure safe manufacturing.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
5/5
There is a training plan in place for my apprenticeship, which not only provides structure but also allows me to work towards and visualise my training targets against a timeline.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
5/5
I receive frequent support from my line manager, as well as from my mentor (it is encouraged at GSK to acquire a mentor, as a person to seek support and advice from). I also receive support from my colleagues.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
5/5
I keep in regular contact with my college assessor who provides my formal SVQ training/assessments throughout the second and third year of my apprenticeship. I am able to contact her for advice or support regarding my SVQ qualification.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
4/5
My qualification is tailored to cover general manufacturing in processing industries, so provides me with the foundation knowledge to perform in my role. As part of the qualification, a portfolio of evidence is gathered based on work completed within my role, and is then cross referenced with performance criteria from the SVQ qualification.
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 extra curricular activities to get involved in. For example, a football league is ran outside of work. In addition to this there are ERGs, (employee resource groups) to join which all have meaningful causes, and allow you to collaborate with colleagues from different departments on site.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend GSK to a friend?
Yes
Why?
A friendly place to work, and if through an apprenticeship, provides valuable training - both on the job and academic - to allow for growth and development within the company.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to GSK?
Highlight your strengths and use these in interviews/applications, backed up by real life examples on how and when you used them.
