IMED Oncology Apprenctice Review

My role is currently focused around Analytical Chemistry. I am working in sample purification by reverse-phase chromatography of compounds to be registered and tested as potential candidate oncology drug compounds. I am also learning how to check the purity of these compounds after they have been through purification, using NMR techniques. Finally, I also perform some troubleshooting of equipment used in the analytical chemistry lab and development of methods used for the purification of samples. My responsibilities include ensuring the equipment is all working or report when it is not operational, and ensuring the purification of samples is carried out efficiently by communicating actions and coordinating with other members of my team and the chemists the samples are purified for. On a day-to-day basis I have lots of interactions with other people in my workplace including team members, other apprentices, summer and placement students and well as senior medicinal chemists and research scientists. I also attend team meetings and networking/ presentation events, including many apprentice workshops.

Since being on the apprenticeship I have developed many skills including time management, organisation and coordinating with others. I have also learned how to interact and work in a professional working environment which I believe has helped me grow in confidence, due to being 'thrown in the deep end'. I feel this was the best way to learn and has encouraged me to ask questions and do my own extra reading/ learning outside of work. Furthermore the Kent University studying alongside my work has helped with my scientific theory, with the practical learning in the workplace enhancing this.

I really enjoy being an active member of a team at work and having my own responsibilities and role. I also love the diversity in the team and throughout my workplace allowing me to communicate with a huge variety of people from all different backgrounds. It has exceeded my expectations and I am learning a lot more a lot faster than I thought I would. I feel I am being trusted with important work, under supervision, despite being an apprentice which is really great. Furthermore, the company culture encourages young learning and the insight from young new individuals therefore I feel like I fit in and have a place at work and have felt welcome from the beginning.

The induction on to the programme is well structured and I received all of my safety training straight away. I also have a good amount of support at work and through the university. The studying is very structured in weeks and modules and so is very easy to follow with good support from a teacher. My full apprenticeship plan including rotations throughout the workplace is briefly structured with exact details planned and finalised closer to the time. Finally the communication from the apprentice university coordinators is good.

I receive a large amount of support from my employer and know exactly where and who to go to if I have a problem/ need help although this is very rare. There is a good attitude towards apprentices in my workplace and so I have never felt intimidated/ unable to ask for help. My manager is very supportive and helpful and is always asking me how I am getting on and if anything needs changing/ I would like to do something different, within reason. Also the company has a very good HR and reporting/ feedback system.

I receive a good amount of support from my training provider. We use an online learning system and we have a tutor dedicated to our course for us apprentices who is always on hand to answer questions/ give learning support/ advice so is very accessible. I also have frequent reviews with an apprentice/ university coordinator which is good although is maybe not always as organised. I am enjoying the learning and will be sitting an exam soon.

I believe both my role is helping my learning and the other way round. It is very helpful to apply the theory to the practical 'on-the-job' learning and the learning from my day-to-day activities is helping me in my studies. I feel like I am understanding more about the industry I work in and the techniques/applications used because of my studying and the range of chemistry modules included.

There are lots of extra activities to get involved with at work including something called 'AZInspire' which is for all the younger employees/apprentices/students/graduates. They hold events with speakers from different departments, lunch & learn sessions, social events etc. There are also many social events organised by the large group of apprentices across the company. Finally we have company networking events and meetings which we are invited to.

Yes

They are a very good company to work for and help young individuals like myself gain a degree alongside 'on the job' learning to gain a huge amount of experienced. The work culture and environment is very professional whilst making you feel welcome. Furthermore you are pushed with your learning and responsibilities as an apprenticeship helping you grow as an individual in the workplace.

Go for it! Be yourself and be enthusiastic about science and know that an apprenticeship with AstraZeneca is just as credible as going to university. Be confident about being thrown into a working environment and be open minded and eager to learn and push yourself. Furthermore research all the areas and current work of the company/ the apprenticeship from their website so make sure it is something you will enjoy as it is a great opportunity to kick start your career.