Automation Technician Apprentice Program

About the Role

Join GSK’s Automation Technician Apprentice Program in Zebulon, US, starting in 2027. This is a full-time, entry-level opportunity designed for high school graduates and first-year college students (with less than 30 college credits). The program offers the chance to begin a career while studying towards a fully funded associate degree. Apprenticeships are registered with the Department of Labor, and successful completion results in a certificate of completion from the US Department of Labor.

Key Responsibilities

As an Automation Apprentice, you will participate in a rotational training program including:

• Time in manufacturing, utilities, packaging, and information technology.
• In manufacturing or packaging rotations:
• Involvement in plant maintenance.
• Projects to enhance highly automated machinery.
• Uplifting obsolete equipment.
• In utilities rotations:
• Learning about water treatment systems and boilers.
• In Information Technology rotations:
• Activities such as implementing network architecture design.
• Troubleshooting various networking components.

Throughout the training program, you will have the opportunity to:

• Develop mechanical, electrical, robotics, control, and instrumentation skills.
• Learn how to maintain production and packaging equipment for continuous manufacturing.
• Learn how to diagnose and resolve breakdowns.
• Help design, install, and test new equipment.
• Monitor and analyze production processes and data, utilizing various instruments and control systems.
• Work in teams to continuously improve the functionality of automated equipment and processes.
• Work in a compliant manner to ensure safety and environmental protection.

Requirements & Tech Stack

• English: Written and spoken fluency required.
• Location: Must live within a 60-minute commute to the GSK worksite and partner community college.
• Experience: Less than 2 years of related work experience since graduating from high school.
• Less than 2 years’ experience in pharmaceutical or FDA interfacing industry (including intern or shadowing).
• Less than 2 years’ experience in an engineering or technical role (including intern or shadowing).
• Less than 2 years’ experience in manufacturing or production (including intern or shadowing).
• Education:
• High School diploma or equivalency diploma by June 2027.
• High school GPA of 2.5 (“B”) or above on a 4.0 scale.
• High school Algebra and Geometry or 2 units equivalent of academic math (GPA 2.5 or above in each).
• High school English (GPA 2.5 or above).
• Must have 0 - 30 college credits.
• Enrollment: Willing to enroll, and meet entry requirements, with one of GSK's partnering community colleges or technical institutions in the preferred related instruction course.
• Age: Must be 18 years of age by August 1, 2027.

Preferred Requirements

• Have studied STEM, Computer Science, AP Maths, AP Science.
• Have studied engineering, technology, robotics, or shop.

Qualifications

• Skills Asset Life Cycle Management
• Data Integrity
• Digital Fluency
• GxP Regulations
• Lean Management
• Manufacturing Technologies
• Pharmaceutical Manufacturing
• Problem Solving
• Risk Awareness
• Standards Compliance

Additional Information

• Apprenticeship Duration: 3-4 years.
• Degree: Associate’s degree in Electronic Engineering technology at Waketech Community College.
• Expected Start Date: September 2027.
• Assessment Centre Date: May 2027.
• Application Deadline: Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis and the role will close once enough applications are received. Apply as soon as possible.
• Offered: Competitive salary, annual bonus, access to healthcare and well-being programs, savings programs (401K), time off, childcare support, employee recognition programs, on-the-job experience, formal and informal training, and fully funded college education.