Manufacturing Apprentice Review

Become trained and validated to operate a pharmaceutical packing line through assessments. Opportunities to experience other manufacturing areas and projects on site. I have been able to work across various line teams and become validated to carry out processes and run assets through being assessed on different parts of equipment.

Communication, teamwork, assertiveness, concerns for standards, project management, organisation, problem solving. The process has been great for my development and I can confidently say that I want to stay within the company. The skills which you acquire as an apprentice give the foundations for what type of work you would like to invest in. This apprenticeship allows you to make your own decisions in to what path you aspire to go down but you have to out the work in.

Now, looking back on experience and knowledge gained, I can use it within a project environment which is enjoyable. Whilst within production as an operator I was able to become validated to work within a line team. This was also enjoyable however the assessment process was frustrating, being clear on training requirements in order to progress is key.

The first month was tricky. The team I was placed with wasn't aware that I was to be joining them. They didn't know what to do with me and the training at first was hard to move forward. Once the matter was discussed with my manager and line team, I was able to begin training to the required level. The training process in within this sector of the company is hard to get around due to the large amounts of assessment criteria. This should be made aware of when an apprentice is joining. Once I had a direction for my training, I was able to progress at a positive rate.

Support is there if you need it however you have to request it. Within my time I would regularly have meetings with my manager to discuss progress and training. Now as I am getting towards the end of my apprenticeship, I have lots of support in terms of applying for a fixed role.

The support is good. All tutors which I have had give the option to stay after teaching hours to get support with difficult areas of work. All tutors are helpful in making sure you gain the desired grade. Again as long as you put the work in, they are happy to help.

The qualification is within engineering which allows you to gain principles over a wide range of engineering topics. It is good to have however I would say that to suit the course more towards the apprenticeship role, if there was a course which included some engineering but also manufacturing excellence, lean and general production methods. AS an apprentice within the day to day role. This type of qualification would be more desirable and definitely open up more opportunities.

Yes. There are activities happening all the time however as an apprentice within manufacturing, this is something I found difficult to attend as most of the time I would be on shifts and miss the activity. There are other activities that I am able to attend such as nights out and other social gatherings. Overall there is a large amount of options available.

Yes

Great place to work. Most employees are proud to be working for such a company which is passed on through to the apprentices. To know that I am developing my skills but also helping contribute to saving or enhancing a patients life is the drive which makes AstraZeneca a great place to work.

Come with an open mind. Don't be afraid of making mistakes. Although the process requires 100% accuracy, everybody makes mistakes and often there is learning that is provided. you can show what you have learnt and where you have applied that leaning, the mistake which caused an issue has benefitted you in the long run.