THE dedication of ten apprentices was praised as they gradated from a pharmaceuticals giant.

The apprentices from GlaxoSmithKline, in Barnard Castle, were presented with their awards at a special ceremony at The Witham community arts centre, on August 7, by site director Alastair Leighton and EHS director and early talent sponsor Russell Collins. The ceremony recognised the achievements of apprentices who are finishing their schemes this year, all of whom have been successful in gaining permanent positions within GSK.

The apprentices come from a range of disciplines including manufacturing, engineering, supply chain, packaging technology and packed artwork shared services, and have completed schemes that have lasted between three to four years, depending on the subject area.

The group had already attended a national week-long graduation event held in London with other UK apprentices, but the smaller ceremony at The Witham allowed the apprentices’ families and managers to attend, as well as GSK Barnard Castle directors, early talent steering committee and the site apprentice lead, Helen Smith, who arranged the event.

The ceremony was also attended by Joanne Rout, membership director from North East Process Industries Cluster, who spoke to the apprentices and their families about her own career path and encouraged the apprentices to continue their development at work.

The audience also heard that the whole apprentice group had made significant contributions during their apprenticeship, and had won over their colleagues and line managers in the process.

Manufacturing apprentice Chris Wood won the apprentice of the year category following a glowing report from his team in steriles manufacture, and for the contribution he has made to promoting STEM careers and early talent.

Some of the new apprentices, who will start at GSK Barnard Castle in September, also attended the ceremony, giving them the opportunity to meet the current group.

Ms Smith said: “It’s important to give these apprentices the recognition they deserve.

"During their apprenticeship they are combining real work on the site, with some very challenging qualifications. This often involves working evenings and weekends and revising for exams.

"GSK sets really high expectations and the apprentices are setting the bar with their college and uni results, and by impressing their peers and managers at work with their knowledge and abilities. It’s also good to share this in front of some parents, managers and the site directors.”

GSK was recently voted the best North East Apprenticeship Employer via the Rate my Apprenticeship Awards.

An apprenticeships open day will be held at the GSK Social Club on Wednesday, October 17.