Analyst Review

I work in quality control at AstraZeneca, carrying out routine chemical analysis testing on pharmaceutical products. I work predominantly in the labs, and have learnt a variety of analytical techniques to help me in my role. My role also includes some office based responsibilities. I am required to interact with team members and management representatives on a routine basis.

I have learnt many new skills during my apprenticeship, through both official on the job training courses and through gaining experience in the workplace. I will acquire a foundation degree at the end of my apprenticeship, and the university course provides learning on chemistry concepts. I have learnt analytic techniques at work, and have developed my personal skills. I have also had the opportunity to receive external training.

I thoroughly enjoy my programme, with the work being varied and so never boring. There are also a great many opportunities to be trained in more if things start to feel stagnant. I have met many wonderful people throughout the apprenticeship, and the company is a truly brilliant one to work for.

The programme is very well organised, as AstraZeneca has been providing apprenticeships for a long time. This means that the programme has already had many improvements and any "kinks" ironed out. The 20% study time required by my course is always provided. I have a mentor assigned to help me with certain aspects of the apprenticeship, and there is a great network of apprentices in years above to help with most issues that I find arise.

My manager and mentor are supportive of my university course requirements, allowing me the 20% time required and also offering help ad suggestions regarding any projects or assignments that I may have for uni. Previous apprentices are also available to help with aspects of the course or with advice regarding the workplace.

My training provider is not available on site at all times, although I have a clear contact and different contact details for her. They are helpful and willing to escalate any issues that I have to the relevant individuals, and supportive with any requirements that I have. I see her face to face quarterly, and can get in touch with her any reasonable time.

I have not yet achieved the foundation degree, as I am in my second year of a two year apprenticeship, but I feel that this will be beneficial to me. Much of the chemical theory that I have learned as part of my uni course is helpful in my day to day role, and my course also covers generally applicable information such as health and safety and business improvement.

There is a large variety of social activities organised amongst many different groups. Many events are organised to raise money for charities. The site has a gym which is accessible to all members of club AZ (membership available to all employees, including apprentices), which also hosts different activities. There are different eating places about the site, so it is easy to meet up with people from outside your area.

Yes

Because I enjoy the work I do. I believe that the company is a good one to work for, not only because it is a large pharma company with relative stability, but also because it looks after it's employees. The foundation degree is also a wonderful opportunity, alongside a great opportunity to work for a well-respected company.

I found that because I started my apprenticeship at an unusual time (January rather than September) the process was not typical. Because of this I found that my interview process was different. However, from talking to other apprentices who started in September, the process is simple but competitive. The site requires a 3 day mandatory induction once you are employed, which may be extended to two weeks for apprentices to give opportunities for more information to be passed on. This means that you should be aware that you won't be stepping straight into the workplace, and that you will have an opportunity to learn the basics of working for AZ before you are thrown in at the deep end.