GSK reinforces commitment to youth training with launch of new UK apprenticeship programme

Issued: London, UK

New scheme to offer 40 annual apprenticeships in manufacturing, R&D and IT with formal training & development programme

GSK today announced the launch of a new multi-disciplinary apprenticeship scheme. The programme, which will sit alongside GSK’s established graduate and undergraduate recruitment schemes, is aimed at 16-24 year olds and will offer positions at the company’s UK manufacturing, R&D and corporate sites.

The scheme will commence in August this year and GSK will take on 40 apprentices in the first intake. The company has historically taken on a number of engineering apprentices, however this new integrated 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 (London), Irvine, Maidenhead, Montrose, Slough, Ulverston, Ware and Worthing.

Apprenticeships will last between two and four years depending on the discipline. All roles will consist of a combination of on-the-job training and study modules. In addition to a competitive base salary, apprentices will benefit from a personalised training plan and a GSK mentor, who will provide advice and support over the duration of the programme. Should an apprentice demonstrate the skills and behaviour GSK is looking for, they will be offered a role with the company at the end of the programme.

Natalie Woodford, SVP, Talent, Leadership & Organisation Development at GSK said: "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. We are delighted to announce this programme today, which will give young people hands-on experience in the life sciences industry; a key sector for the UK."

Skills Minister John Hayes MP said: "The Government has significantly increased investment in apprenticeships because we know they work for businesses and employees. The unique combination of high-quality training and meaningful work experience they offer helps to build a workforce with the skills our economy needs to grow. I am delighted that GSK are not only hiring new apprentices, but also expanding their programme to cover a wide range of new disciplines."

The apprenticeship scheme is complementary to GSK’s existing programmes to attract the best young talent. Last year, the company announced plans to reimburse 100% of uncapped tuition fees for up to 100 students recruited under the company's graduate scheme. GSK also takes on hundreds of undergraduates annually in the UK, on year-long industrial placements across the business.

In addition, the company is undertaking a 'Scientists in Sport' programme, in partnership with King's College London, which is designed to showcase how science will be used during the London Olympic and Paralympic Games and inspire young people into a range of scientific careers.

Overall, GSK employs around 15,000 people in the UK across R&D, manufacturing and corporate functions. The company is also the UK’s largest private sector funder of R&D.

For more information about the UK apprenticeship programme, visit our website: http://uk.gsk.com/en-gb/careers/apprenticeships/

GlaxoSmithKline - One of the world’s leading research-based pharmaceutical and healthcare companies – is committed to improving the quality of human life by enabling people to do more, feel better and live longer. For further information please visit www.gsk.com

Cautionary statement regarding forward-looking statements

Under the safe harbor provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, GSK cautions investors that any forward-looking statements or projections made by GSK, including those made in this announcement, are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially from those projected. Factors that may affect GSK' s operations are described under 'Risk Factors' in the 'Business Review' in the company' s Annual Report on Form 20-F for 2010.