Where Apprenticeships Can Take You

THIS WEEK, TO CELEBRATE NATIONAL APPRENTICESHIP WEEK (9TH - 15TH FEBRUARY 2026), WE CAUGHT UP WITH LIVIA KIPPAX (ON 19-22), WHO, FOLLOWING ACHIEVING AAA A-LEVELS, IS NOW A LABORATORY SCIENCE (MICROBIOLOGY) APPRENTICE WITH GSK - A GLOBAL BIOPHARMA COMPANY. 

Apprenticeships are a great opportunity to gain 'Skills for Life' while working within your chosen field - including design, engineering, health and science, law, technology, marketing, and many more - whilst studying at the same time.  

Please email Mrs Saunders, Head of Futures, if you would like to find out more about where an apprenticeship could take you.  

Meet Livia and discover how she is combining industry experience in pharmaceuticals and biotechnology with her studies for an Applied Bioscience (Technician Scientist) Bachelor’s degree at the University of Kent. 

 

Could you describe your experience as a Laboratory Science (Microbiology) Apprentice with GSK? 

Last September marked five years since I joined GSK as an apprentice. So far, I have completed several rotations within the Microbiology Department and worked on various projects, including Culture Control and Fertility Testing as well as Raw Material Microbial Limit Testing (MLT).  

The medicinal manufacturing experience and knowledge I am gaining from my apprenticeship are invaluable.  

Since childhood, I have had a passion for science and a strong desire to help others. Before joining RGS Sixth Form in 2019, I knew that I wanted to work in a laboratory dedicated to Forensic/Diagnostic Pathology. 

Alongside my scientific understanding, I have developed my soft skills, including my documentation and communication capabilities.

The subtlety of language is a highly translatable skill, important whenever applying knowledge to improve processes or escalate issues.

Being able to interpret background understanding into cohesive explanations for various audiences is crucial.  

 

What does a typical day for you involve as an apprentice?  

I am currently in the fourth rotation with the Non-Sterile Team, performing Microbial Limit Tests (MLT) on non-sterile products and environmental monitoring.  

On test days, I perform MLT, which is split into enumeration (counting colonies on generic agar) and enrichment (proving the absence on selective agar).  

Environmental monitoring is performed simultaneously alongside MLT by two sub-teams, which assesses the ‘cleanliness’ standards of facilities; my team monitors the non-sterile production areas, manufacturing creams, ointments, and inhalations.  

In addition to testing, my team also receives samples, performs batch releases, and maintains lab standards.  

Spontaneously, there are document updates, report writing, team communications, and training. I also oversee the employee resource group for racial/cultural inclusion.  

 

What motivated you to pursue an apprenticeship, and in what ways did RGS Newcastle support your journey? 

Post GCSEs, I reflected on my next steps. I knew that I wanted to pursue a career within bioscience and recognised that I am a kinaesthetic and visual learner.

Therefore, I felt that an apprenticeship would be the best route to develop career-based understanding and skills. 

I was able to join RGS Sixth Form thanks to the Reece Foundation Bursary. Being selected for the engineering bursary was the first time I had been recognised for my drive and potential. It was hugely empowering to know my aspirations were worthy of support.  

RGS's superior science facilities were crucial in creating a strong foundation in testing, which I build on every day at GSK. 

 

How do you balance work and studying for your Bachelor's Degree?   

GSK allows me to study one day per week. Before assignment deadlines or exams, GSK has been very accommodating in providing extra study time. Additionally, if there is any 'downtime' during the workday, I am encouraged to continue my university studies.  

 

What is your advice for students considering an apprenticeship?

If you are unsure what apprenticeship you would like to apply for, I would recommend researching careers you can pursue associated with the subjects you are passionate about.

There is a wealth of apprenticeships you can choose from to help you access your chosen field. You can also consider careers associated with a hobby and expand from there.  

While completing your apprenticeship, be mindful of your overall well-being. It is important to consider how you will ensure that you balance work with your studies, as well as maintain your mental/physical health and your personal life. Do not forget to take breaks, be kind to yourself and ask for support. 

While studying my GCSEs and A-Levels, I did not enjoy essay writing. However, thanks to my apprenticeship, my documentation and communication capabilities have developed monumentally. I now independently write reports and update standard operating procedures. 

Developing my technical writing skills has helped me to build confidence and turn a former weakness into a strength.