SIXTH FORM BLOG

18/10/2018

Why I chose an apprenticeship

Apprenticeships are beginning to become a more popular pathway for students after they finish school. The idea of university never really appealed to me. I didn’t want to obtain a generic degree, I wanted to learn on the job and gain skills specific to the career path I want to take. When I first heard about a degree apprenticeship, it seemed like a no brainer that I wanted to do this instead of university. A laboratory degree apprenticeship at GSK combines hands on lab work, helping the company to research medical problems that have yet to be solved, while also studying one day a week to obtain a full degree at the end of the apprenticeship. I wanted to become a part of a national company, which could open so many doors and provide me with so many different opportunities. Alongside my love for science this seemed like the perfect option.

There is lots of information about this apprenticeship on the GSK website, however, I found out about this through a talk that was put on at school. The application process involved firstly filling out a basic information from, then an online test, if you pass then you fill out a full application form which the recruitment team review and short list people to attend the assessment centre. At the assessment centre I had to complete a presentation, interview, individual assessment and a group task. This is to see how well rounded as a person you are and if they believe you would fit into the company well.

The company fund your degree, so you end up with no debt at the end of the apprenticeship, in fact most pay very well for the role. Alongside living at home I will not have to pay accomodation fees too. I feel an apprenticeship will put me in a good financial situation for later in life. Also the apprenticeship provides me with good job security, so I can remain in the company and can have a larger impact within the company by working my way into bigger roles.

Furthermore, apprenticeships encourage the development of many skills, such as teamwork, independence and problem solving skills. For example, I have the opportunity to work with other apprentices in a team and learn from research scientists. I feel this will help me to develop as an individual in the area I want to work in and will put me in a great position for later on in life.

Molly

Year 13