GSK expands apprenticeship programme
pharmafile | March 13, 2012 | News story | Manufacturing and Production, Research and Development |Â Â GSK, Hayes, R&D, manufacturingÂ
GlaxoSmithKline has expanded its apprenticeship programme with the creation of positions spanning manufacturing, IT, and R&D.
The multi-disciplinary scheme is aimed at 16-24 year olds and will get underway in August with a first intake of 40 apprentices complementing the company’s established graduate and undergraduate recruitment schemes.
The apprenticeships will last between two and four years depending on the discipline and combine on-the-job training with study modules, with access to a GSK mentor for advice and support and the possibility of employment at the end of the programme.
GSK says it has traditionally taken on a number of engineering apprentices, but the new scheme will offer “IT, R&D laboratory technician, manufacturing, supply chain management and artwork design opportunities.
The full list of sites offering apprenticeships is Barnard Castle, GSK House in London, Irvine, Maidenhead, Montrose, Slough, Ulverston, Ware and Worthing.
“GSK is committed to attracting and developing talent at all levels, and youth training and apprenticeships have a vital role in building the right skills our employees need for the future,” said Natalie Woodford, senior vice president for talent, leadership and organisation development at the drugmaker.
The pharmaceutical sector has in recent years seen its ability to offer apprenticeships held back by difficulties in sourcing local part time study courses, particularly those that cater for day-release, as well as bureaucracy in the national apprenticeship framework programmes, according to the Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry (ABPI).
“This type of opportunity is generally decreasing in the pharmaceutical industry and pharmaceutical company recruitment is mainly focused at those with an honours degree or postgraduate qualification,” said the ABPI in a statement released in response to the government’s UK Health and Life Sciences review last year.
GSK’s move is a welcome stroke against that trend, and comes at a time when the UK government is claiming a resurgence in the number of apprenticeships offered by industry, with more than 450,000 offered in the 2010/11 academic year, up nearly 64% on the prior year.
Skills minister John Hayes said the government has increased investment in apprenticeships “because we know they work for businesses and employee”. Last month, £6 million in additional funding was announced for apprentice schemes under the national Higher Apprenticeship Fund.
Phil Taylor
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