Quality Control Technician Review

I am in Quality Control and I work as a QC Technician in Drug Product analytical. Daily tasks include performing multi-stage testing to ensure products are fit for purpose. Tests include: Dissolution, Average Active Agent, Ultra-Violet analysis and moisture content analysis. I interact with my manager, colleagues and other apprentices daily. I am responsible for all my testing being compliant with regulator's demands and Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP).

I am currently studying for a Foundation Degree in Chemical Science with Manchester Metropolitan University. I have also taken part in the Science Industry Partnership ambassador scheme, going out to schools and informing young people about apprenticeships in the industry. I have learnt how to engage with older colleagues, as well as take on board their advice with my future development.

I really enjoy working in a supportive team, where everyone looks out for each other. The company culture is great, AstraZeneca allow apprentices a full day to complete University coursework per week, which not many other companies on my course allow. The apprenticeship has by far exceeded my expectations and has allowed me to feel more ambitious about my future with the company.

My manager and I have regular meetings to discuss personal and academic progress, so this makes it feel personal and that the company cares about every apprentice and their development. Internal recognition comes too with newsletters and articles on the intranet about what the apprentices are doing on site.

The structuring of the apprenticeship is very organised. Induction was very efficient, and didn't drag on, so it allowed us to go straight into meeting our teams and getting the relevant training for our roles quickly. My development plan is set out after being agreed with my manager, which means that this is spread out over the course of the apprenticeship, to ensure skills being used at the moment are used frequently and constantly improved.

I received good support from my training provider, they respond quickly to any queries I may have regarding holidays, pensions, payroll, etc. They are very keen on wanting to help get the best out of every apprentice. They are also very up-to-date with academic performance and can help give any guidance on that too.

I receive excellent support from AstraZeneca. My manager is also my mentor, and he helps to make sure that all progress is on track, what can AZ do to help me further and if there's any issues I'm having at the moment. AZ have also set up a graduate student-apprentice chemistry coaching scheme, which helps with coursework, which is a massive boost in support.

My salary for an apprenticeship is excellent. I do struggle towards the end of the month however, once I have paid expenses such as fuel, living costs, food and social costs. I live 25 miles away from my workplace however, so the fuel has been budgeted for, but I also live 200 miles away from 'home', so if I want to visit, it costs me even more per month, which can be a struggle sometimes.

There are plenty of volunteering events apprentices can get involved with, namely as part of the Brathay challenge. There is also a gym on site which apprentices are welcome to join, which holds fitness classes, as well as general use of the weights. There are also numerous societies to join in, in which there is something for everyone.

Yes

I would recommend AstraZeneca to my friends, even those who aren't interested in sciences, as there are a whole range of courses that are non-STEM based. I believe they're a great, ambitious company to work for, who are at the forefront of trying to develop brand-new exciting products for a range of therapy areas.

I would encourage applicants to ask plenty of questions during an assessment day; no question is silly or goes un-noticed. I would also encourage people to relate their personal experiences to the role they're applying for, so try and make them relevent to QC, etc. For example, if you have an eye for detail, make it relevent to the job description.