GSK: Apprenticeships that Unite Science, Technology, and Talent

 

With 68 vaccines and medicines in development and a presence in 80 countries, GSK is a global biopharmaceutical company on a mission to impact the scientific world. By the end of 2030, the organization hopes to positively influence the health of 2.5 billion people. To accomplish this goal, GSK is utilizing apprenticeships to increase its workforce.

 

GSK’s apprenticeship program is a 3-4-year long program that provides apprentices with the opportunity to jumpstart their careers while pursuing a college education. The company’s North Carolina site is housed in Zebulon, and GSK partners with Wake Technical Community College for the educational components of the program. During their apprenticeships, GSK apprentices receive paid on-the-job training while studying toward their associate degrees, or trade qualifications, fully funded, at Wake Tech. The program’s structure means apprentices spend approximately 80% of their time training and 20% of their time completing the required educational components.

 

With an almost 99% apprentice retention rate, GSK’s apprenticeship program has proven fruitful for both the apprentices and company. Apprentices are considered full time GSK employees from day one. As such, they enjoy a range of benefits including healthcare, a 401K, PTO, and yearly bonuses. The apprentices also have the opportunity to travel to the UK for GSK’s Fieri and Outward-Bound Programs, which focus on leadership skills and team building. GSK handles all non-personal expenses for the trips.

“Apprenticeships are a really good investment for GSK because we’re developing that talent from day one throughout those 3-4 years.”— Mackenzie Cardullo (née Day), GSK Early Talent Attraction Specialist

 

GSK recruits for different apprentice positions each year. For 2024, GSK’s Zebulon site is currently hiring for their automation technician, laboratory analyst, and electromechanical technician apprenticeships. Engineering apprentices get the opportunity to rotate through different engineering teams, design, install, and test new equipment, and diagnose and resolve breakdowns. Lab analysts will focus on analyzing raw materials and samples, maintaining and calibrating a wide range of analytical equipment, and developing analytical testing skills.

“…I was always interested in the pharmaceutical industry since I was in high school. I thought it would be a great idea to start my career at such an early age at a great company like GSK, while also working towards my AAS in Biotechnology.”—Kareem, Biopharma Manufacturing Associate Apprentice, Upper Merion

 

Recruitment for these roles is scheduled to close in February/March of 2024. To qualify, applicants must be 18 years or older by their start date, have a high school diploma or equivalent by June of their hiring year, and have fewer than 30 college credits. All GSK apprenticeships in North Carolina are registered with the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) by ApprenticeshipNC – Part of the NC Community College System, and apprentices receive a certificate of completion from the DOL at the end of their program.

ApprenticeshipNC is the State Apprenticeship Registration Agency operating under the North Carolina Community College System. ANC’s mission is to help North Carolina employers build and retain an adaptable, skilled, and efficient workforce through the registration of apprenticeship programs across North Carolina. ApprenticeshipNC creates apprenticeship programs tailored to meet employers’ needs — providing structured on-the-job learning, related instruction, and a progressive wage scale. ANC also connects employers and apprentices to DOL registered apprenticeship occupations and federal and state funding.

“ApprenticeshipNC works with employers across the state, in all 100 counties, to develop registered apprenticeship programs. Apprenticeships are employer led and solidify the importance of developing a strong, skilled, prepared workforce, allowing North Carolina to attract business and industry as well as people to our state.” – John C. Loyack, Vice President of Economic Development NCCCS

 

 

Learn more about GSK’s apprenticeship opportunities here: https://us.gsk.com/en-us/careers/early-talent/apprentices/

Learn more about ApprenticeshipNC’s mission here: https://www.apprenticeshipnc.com/