Technical Officer Review

Life cycle management of equipment, responding to breakdowns and troubleshooting to correct faults. Installation of new equipment and validating these for routine use, including the creation of new methods for analysts to follow. System controller status of equipment around to building, who ensure regulatory compliance according to set industry standards.

I have learnt how to apply different business minded approaches, such as corrective action, preventative action. These business aids help to make my job easier in the moment, and for people performing duties in the future. I have also developed my understanding for equipment I haven't used before, which has allowed me to start troubleshooting on them.

I enjoyed the programme very much, everyone who I have met has been extremely professional, friendly and willing to help me, whether that is helping with my Uni work (people in health and safety, waste management, etc) or helping in my day to day duties. I have thoroughly enjoyed every day.

The programme has been very well structured, both from my employers and my course providers. Work-based training has been facilitated very well and university-based teaching has been structured well as to not over face with workload. They have broken down the release of work into manageable sections, released every week.

I have received unlimited and unwavering support from my line manager, other area managers and colleagues. My employers give me 1 day per week to do my course work, which is a massive bonus. I have been supported from the conclusion of my FdSc to start on the BSc top-up course.

During my FdSc I received plenty of support from Uni, I would have a week residential in which I would also meet with tutors 1 to 1 to discuss progress and how I feel it is going. During my BSc, I have regular 1 to 1 Skype reviews with my tutors to ensure I am getting enough support.

My qualification helps me to reach a goal when performing my day to day role. The added incentive of performing well on the foundation degree course to progress onto the bachelor's degree course was vastly important to good performance. The courses allow you to network with people in other areas too, which is always helpful.

AstraZeneca has an astro turf football pitch which helps provide a good social activity, of which I have found myself playing games with people from completely different areas of the business. They also have a fully fitted gym and facilities. There is also a network for new graduates, apprentices and placement students called AZInspire.

Yes

The whole business is moving to a very good place, which makes everyone who works here very happy and pleased with the day to day role they perform. The job satisfaction of helping to provide life changing medicines to people who need it the most is the best feeling an apprenticeship, and a job can provide.

I would tell people to be themselves at all stages of the application, as it's not necessarily about who is the best performer on paper. I didn't perform overly well at A level standard, however, despite concerns from teachers at my college, I am now performing very well on this course and achieving a second degree, whilst being paid!