Product Development Apprentice Review

My apprenticeship is based in the product development department and my role is in the ASAP (Accelerated Stability Assessment Programme) team. My daily tasks involve setting down/pulling ASAP samples from multiple temperatures and humidity at different time-points and analysing them using HPLC/UPLC to gather area % data. This data is used for ASAP predictions which can predict the shelf life of a product from just a few weeks of data. I have started to help the team with these predictions too. ASAP studies can also be conducted using an automated piece of kit called the RPD Tool (Rapid Product Development Tool) which I am trained to use and continuously building my knowledge on.

I have been completing an FdSc in Chemical Science alongside my apprenticeship for 3 years. I have covered modules such as Business Improvement (BI) which has helped me to develop new skills in Lean/Six Sigma aspects from conducting BI workplace projects. I have also learnt many other new skills during my time at AstraZeneca such as conducting LC analysis, processing HPLC/UPLC data, dissolution testing, and other general laboratory skills. My personal skills have also developed since starting my apprenticeship as I have gained knowledge in many different areas which I can apply to my existing knowledge of chemistry as I continue with my qualification. Additionally, I have focused on my personal development by setting targets to improve professional skills such as presentation skills and have presented posters etc about any interesting work we have completed in my team at AstraZeneca.

I thoroughly enjoy my apprenticeship programme, mostly because it allows you to be independent with the distance learning aspect but also tutors and help from colleagues is always available. Being an apprentice at AstraZeneca doesn't limit your opportunities, all training available to full-time employees is also available to apprentices and we are not treated differently to anyone else. The programme is appropriate for my learning because it's mostly hands on learning and the study time is flexible to complete each week when the time suits me, meaning I'm able to manage my own workload effectively, which is another reason why I enjoy this programme.

I always feel valued by AstraZeneca as they promote apprenticeships massively, not only externally but also within the company. They always make sure that everyone at AstraZeneca is aware of the work that the apprentices are contributing towards and things we are achieving. I also feel valued by my manager and my team as I am regularly asked to present any interesting work that I've been involved with at team meetings and department poster sessions etc, which shows that my manager and team are keen to show everyone at AstraZeneca how having an apprentice team member is beneficial. This also shows that I am valued for my involvement in projects and for the work I have completed in my team.

I would say that my programme has been very well organised/structured. My induction during my first few weeks at AstraZeneca involved lots of training in many different areas and some short tests etc to complete to ensure everyone understood. Apprentices were also made aware that if they required any extra training for certain areas or if they didn't use a particular skill for a while and wanted a sort of top-up training then this would always be available, as there was quite a lot of information to take in at the start. We were all made aware of who to contact if we had any questions/issues with the programme, and had quarterly catch ups planned in to discuss our progress with the programme.

Our programme is all distance learning where our work is put online for us to complete and we can phone/email tutors if we have any questions. The communication from tutors has massively improved since the first year of my programme as feedback was given about responding to students' emails. Therefore, we have been given much more support from tutors in the 2nd and 3rd years of my programme. Our training provider also schedules "webinars" where they work through some of the more difficult aspects of our course and students can ask questions throughout the webinar. We have been informed of who to contact for any personal support not involving studies, which is good for students who may need someone to talk to and is good to know if you're ever worried/stressed about anything.

I receive all the support needed from my employer. I have regular catch ups with both my manager and my supervisor to manage my progress with both work tasks and studies. I am always reminded that if I need any additional help with my studies then there is plenty of experienced people who would be happy to help. There is an onsite councillor to speak to about any issues whatsoever and this is also available to apprentices even though a lot of us aren't actually employed by AstraZeneca. I am always encouraged to ask questions about any work I'm unsure on and reminded that making mistakes with work is normal and is the best way to learn how to complete tasks properly. The attitude from my employer is always focused on supporting me as an apprentice and making sure my skills are used in the right way - for my personal learning and not only as a resource for AstraZeneca.

AstraZeneca provide a very competitive salary. When I applied I didn't think I would manage as well as I do, as I commute quite far and pay quite a lot for petrol, but compared to my previous part-time retail jobs salaries, the salary from AstraZeneca is obviously much better. I am lucky enough to live at home and not pay any rent, however from talking to other apprentices on the same salary, they seem to manage quite well even whilst paying rent. On this 3 year programme, the salary increases each year which has helped to manage with the cost of living as I have got older during my time here and have more things to pay such as car insurance or savings for the future.

During my time at AstraZeneca there has been plenty of opportunities outside of work such as conferences, events and volunteer days. Depending on which department you work in, different events will be advertised to you but they are always open to anyone, even the apprentices! For example, events to celebrate newly approved drugs that all departments have contributed towards. We also try to attend at least 1 volunteering day per year as a team which has been something I have particularly enjoyed during my 3 year programme. AstraZeneca have their own gym (Club AZ) which is available to everyone at a reasonable cost and also involves benefits such as discounts to different restaurants and even a company lottery. As apprentices, we were also given the opportunity to attend an outward bound week during our first few months here which was really fun and allowed the apprentices to get to know each other. We are also encouraged to attend external STEM events to talk about our experiences as apprenticeships and inspire young people. I have even had the opportunity to attend careers fairs at the college I attended which was particularly enjoyable, especially being able to promote the apprenticeship scheme to the staff who may not be aware of how far you can come with an apprenticeship.

Yes

My apprenticeship at AstraZeneca has been amazing. Although it is hard coming straight from college into a full-time job (with a long commute for myself), I have been given so much support to help me along the way. Not only are you gaining 3 years of industry experience and an FdSc qualification in Chemical Science, you are also able to develop yourself as a professional and AstraZeneca have put so much work into making the most of my time as an apprentice.

If you are considering apply for an apprenticeship, my first piece of advice would to just be yourself. It's also important to put as much effort into the application as you would into a UCAS application but ensure to do some research into the company, as I wasn't even aware of how massive AstraZeneca really is before I applied. The interview process is usually a whole day of tours/interviews/small tests - dress smart and ask plenty of questions. Avoid using your phone and engage with the apprentices who have volunteered to help with the tours on the interview days.