Sourcing Project Associate Review

I work on different AstraZeneca in supply chain to assure their are no delays to patient delivery. My day to day role includes sending requests and receiving quotes from suppliers. I also work with other members in our team to resolve issues such as invoicing, purchase order issues and contract creation.

Yes. My time management skills have improved hugely as well as my communication skills. I have been supported very well by my team and the company to learn new skills and develop ones I already have. My manager has noticed a huge improvement over the last year as I have become more experienced and understood the best ways of working to achieve maximum efficiency.

I enjoy my apprenticeship more than I imagined I would. I began not knowing what I was getting myself into really, but I can happily say now I walk away from work each day happy and satisfied knowing I enjoy what I do and have performed the bets I could.

My programme is organised well by the company. There is a clear defined process to go through which I understand and know. It involves 1 year doing a level 4 diploma and a second year doing a level 5 diploma which grants a foundation degree. There is a further 2 year top up for a full degree if you are kept on as an employee.

I receive more than enough support from AstraZeneca. My manager and senior leaders above them provide as much support as they can and make sure I am given the allocated time I am allowed to concentrate on my studies. My manager continuously checks to see how I am getting on and offers help and advice.

The support I receive is ok but not the best. As this course is done via distant learning, I have webinars with the module lecturers to help. However, the communication from the institute themselves is poor and I am often emailed about modules I am not participating in which causes confusion. Responses can also be slow sometimes. My provider is the Institute of Export however this didn't appear as a choice on the drop down menu previously.

I feel that the qualification relates to my role but is not essential. Some modules apply directly to my work such as International Purchasing and Logistics however some other modules are completely unrelated to my work such as Marketing. Overall I think it fits fairly well as it would be near impossible to do a qualification directly related to my job in every aspect.

Yes. There are plenty of social activities to get involved in at work. There are 5-a-side football sessions after work weekly and the AZ Gym provides an area to work out as well as lots of sessions run by personal trainers which include activities like Yoga. Local teams also take part in social activities together.

Yes

AstraZeneca provides an apprenticeship which not only gives you a great qualification, but a chance to learn invaluable skills to help you in your future career. I can see myself the improvements I've made since I've joined AstraZeneca and I will be forever thankful for the opportunity. My team and manager are very supportive of me and trust me with important tasks. I am not looked down upon in any way and treated like any other employee. I've thoroughly enjoyed my time so far at AstraZeneca and have no reason to not recommend them going forward.

The application process is a long one but well worth it. If you take your time and write out your answers in a word doc before submitting them you don't feel as under pressure. I would also encourage those applying to just be yourself at the assessment day! (Things like going on your phone at a lunch break rather than talking to the other applicants looks bad!)