"The big advantage of training at Boehringer Ingelheim is that the company really looks after its trainees and makes sure they learn a great deal in their profession."
Lisa S., Pharmaceutical Technician Apprentice, Production
My name is Lisa S. and I'm a trainee pharmaceutical technician. Our department is responsible for developing production methods for new drugs, as active ingredients researched in the laboratory must at some point be mass-produced and brought onto the market. In addition, we use cutting-edge, computer-supported production facilities to develop dosage forms for new medicine.
Our team works in three shifts (early, late and night shift) with at least four people on each shift. The shift rota is changed every week. The team atmosphere is very friendly and we get along so well that we even socialise outside of work, for example meeting up in the evenings, going out to eat, etc.
My typical working day at Boehringer Ingelheim
The daily routine naturally depends on the training assignment. At the moment, I'm busy with Logipack packaging. The machine's workflow has a big influence on my day.
First, I fill the machine with packaging material.
I carry out in-process controls as well as leakage testing, for example using a blue dye bath, to make sure the finished blister packs coming out of the machine are completely sealed. My tasks also include the approval and release of detergents and packaging and documentation of the work in accordance with GMP guidelines. GMP stands for Good Manufacturing Practice. These are the rules that govern how (in this instance) pharmaceutical companies work and that determine how this work must be documented.
If there are errors in the process, I have to rectify them as quickly as possible. If I can't do that myself, I ask for appropriate help.