Kayleigh Mercer, Associate Scientist at GSK and apprentice currently enrolled at the University of Kent, was recently awarded the prestigious 'Rotary Prize' reflecting her outstanding academic performance.
We spoke to her about her apprenticeship and role.
What apprenticeship programme are you currently enrolled in?
Whilst doing this qualification with Kent University, I have been working as an apprentice in the research chemistry labs at GlaxoSmithKline (GSK). My job involves synthesising new drugs to be tested to see whether they are a feasible treatment for a disease.
This task consists of searching the literature to find suitable conditions for the chemistry I am doing; carrying out the reactions in the laboratory; isolating and analysing the products I have made and sending them for testing within GSK.
I am so happy to have been offered a full time job at GlaxoSmithKline as an associate scientist – I am really excited to carry on learning with the brilliant people I have worked with over the past 5 years!
What have you enjoyed most about your apprenticeship so far?
The best part of the apprenticeship for me is that whilst studying for my bachelors degree, I have been able to work in industry which has given me experience in solving real world scientific problems and has enabled me to work on projects to identify new medicines.
What are your plans after you have completed your apprenticeship?
I am so happy to have been offered a full time job at GlaxoSmithKline as an associate scientist – I am really excited to carry on learning with the brilliant people I have worked with over the past 5 years!
