Science background preferred but not necessary for actual job
Pros
Better pay in comparison to other companies in same role. Great benefits, travel insurance, private healthcare, physio if deemed necessary. Friendly people who made the job worth doing, most of the shopfloor staff are a lovely harmless bunch who are just doing their job, its the managers 03 level and upwards that may affect the quality of your working life. Not what I would call scientific so not the job for you if laboratory skills is what you are looking for. Only need common sense and work ethic to do the job. You learn all the skills that would make you fab for an Amazon warehouse job next. You'll be able to safely handle mechanical lifting equipment and all sorts. Excellent discounts and employee points rewards system once you are made permanent, points can be converted to gift vouchers at various retailers. Salary increase and performance based bonus yearly. Opportunities for courses/training e.g. first aiders, risk assessments, manual handling assessors, COSHH, etc. Company sports day and other events, on site pub open after work hours, big canteen with cold and hot meals, decent prices operating through the week, breakfast and lunch options. Great working hours, loads of parking.
Cons
Training is slow and subject to staff availability and business need, most departments deemed understaffed by employees but staffing levels are restricted by headcount. High staff turnover in some depts. Depending on the department, you will be trained eventually when they want/have the time to train you. Cliquey but not usually a problem. May be cross-trained in other departments, may or may not be informed first before transfer to a different department. May still be required to work in previous department throughout cross-training in new department, as there is a lack of experienced technicians due to sick leave or staff on holidays. Lack of career opportunities. It may be difficult to rise up the ranks so to speak, unless the ones above you leave the job. If you apply to a different department when you are fully trained in your current, your application may be blocked by your manager because you are needed in your current department and it is expensive and takes time to replace you with an untrained new employee. For diversity and inclusion- I have not witnessed racism myself (at least not overtly), but one or two ethnic minority employees say they have, unfortunately this is not unusual in most companies so don't let this stop you from applying. Depending on the department, if you do not show a strong willingness to do overtime, you are 'blacklisted' by the management, or so I have been told by employees and this may or may not affect future opportunities you are given. Overall, I would not recommend a friend to work here, but if you really need a non-scientific job; with a can-do, personable attitude; can commit to overtime and repetitive often physical tasks (depending on department), you are generally well compensated at MSD.
