QCMicro Apprentice Review

by AstraZeneca

Best Apprenticeship Employer

Rating

7.5/10

1. Please give an overview of your role and what this involves on a day-to-day basis:

I am a lab technician that carries out a variety of lab tasks, such as support function, QC testing, Identification of bacteria and fungi and water testing.

8/10

2. Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?

Yes, I have learnt lots of new skills at work.

10/10

3. To what extent do you enjoy your programme?

I enjoy the work and enjoy working with most of the people. I don't dread coming back in on a Monday and am always keen to help people when they need it.

8/10

4. How well organised/structured is your programme?

Most of the time, I know where I am up to with my training but sometimes, I have not known I was moving teams until 2 weeks before. But I adapted well.

7/10

5. How much support do you receive from your employer?

Lots pf support from my manager when dealing with the university. They are keen to help with projects and signing off the competency log.

8/10

6. How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?

We meet every 3 months for a review. There is help of you need it but it is mostly distance learning, so you teach yourself the material and ensure your coursework is done in order to sit the exam. If you do not do this, the uni will chase you up for it. You have a designated support person who comes to do your review.

6/10

7. How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?

It gives a good foundation of knowledge for the science related part of the job. But mostly I think the degree will support me when applying for higher up jobs.

7/10

8. Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)

Yes there is a networking group called AZ inspire but I have only been to 1 event.

6/10

9a. Would you recommend AstraZeneca to a friend?

Yes

9b. Why?

They are a good company to work for and you learn a lot in the job and doing the foundation degree that goes alongside the apprenticeship.

10. What tips or advice would you give to others applying to AstraZeneca?

Show your personality in the interview don't just rely on the extracurricular things and grades you have. Be chatty and stand out. Don't sit on your phone inbetween interviews.