Human Resource Review

My apprenticeship has been level 5 in Human Resources. My day to duties include co-ordinating the apprenticeship scheme, assisting the human resource business partners and project work. This has included creating events for the apprenticeship new starters, assisting in grievance meetings, helping with site wide projects and becoming part of a comms team. I have the freedom to plan my own day and activities and become involved in the projects that I enjoy.

During my apprenticeship I have completed a CIPD level 5 course which included knowledge elements and competency elements meaning I can demonstrate the knowledge I have learnt. As an apprentice I have been encouraged to attend as many training courses as possible such as law seminars in Manchester to keep up to date with Employment Law changes. I have also learnt how to work in a professional environment and work alongside senior members of staff.

I have thoroughly enjoyed my programme, my team have been very supportive and all have acted as mentors in my development. The work everyday has been very varied which I liked and there have been new challenges everyday which has kept me on my toes. The culture of the company is very family orientated with the site being opened to employees and their family annually. The apprenticeship more than met my expectations.

Although my apprenticeship has in no way been easy I have been rewarded throughout my apprenticeship for the hard work I have put in. I have been rewarded both internally by being invited to lunch with the CEO and externally by being a runner up in the North West Business Awards apprentice of the year category. I feel I have added value to the company and it has been recognised.

As one of the first human resource apprentices my apprenticeship has been developing as it progressed. The induction was very structured due to the regulated nature of the company. I was given one full day a week to complete my studies with a tutor from the college coming onto site to assist. My training initially was slow as there were lots of policies and procedures to earn but after approximately a month I began to recieve tasks and projects to achieve.

In the beginning of my apprenticeship the tutor of my college course was unsure of the qualification which caused some problems. This was eventually rectified and I completed the course ahead of schedule. Our second tutor was amazing and made sure that I got back on track with the qualification to finish on time. The college itself weren't very helpful but our second tutor was fantastic.

As an apprentice I have a line manager who works within a larger team of 7 individuals. I also have a mentor within AstraZeneca who I can talk to about any issues. I feel I have been very supported as an apprentice and given lots of opportuntity to raise any issues. I haven't really had any major problems as an apprentice so there has been no real need for guidance but I feel confident that if needed it would have been provided.

The salary as an apprentice is a lot more than the national average and is sufficient to be able to afford to live comfortably. On the appprenticeship wage I could afford to live in a one bedroom flat near to AstraZeneca and also afford to run a small car. AstraZeneca has a subsidised gym on site too which is helpful as the cost is low compared to other gyms. The canteen is also subsidised and tea/coffee is free which is a bonus.

AstraZeneca have a gym on site, they also have ClubAZ which has offers available in local restaurants etc. ClubAZ also run 'sections' such as football, badminton, choir where current and ex-employees can get together to play sports or do activities. The company also supports you to do volunteering in your own and in company time. There are loads of apprentices and graduates on site who all live in the local area so theres a lot to get involved in.

Yes

The apprenticeship has given me so many opportunties such as going down to the houses of parliament to speak infront of the skills minister about my experiences. The advice and guidance you get from experts in the company is incredible and you know never what opportunities will come up! I left university after a year and decided to do an apprenticeship, it was the best decision i ever made.

AstraZeneca like people who can question and challenge current processes so always be on the look out for things that aren't as efficient as they could be. In the interview show your personality and be confident, cultural fit is just as important as exam grades, work experience is also a critical factor. An apprenticeship at AstraZeneca can be anything you make it, if you are happy to do the bare minimum thats fine but there is amazing potential for someone who will go the extra mile!