Apprentice Animal Technician Review

Whilst I’ve worked with the department I have covered various therapeutic areas, CVRM, DSM, RIA and Oncology; With DSM and CVRM my primary placements. My day to day work involves regular interactions with animals, this can be mix of procedural work and animal care. The animal care includes husbandry, housekeeping and health assessments, therefore I am handling the various animals most of my day, ensuring they’re healthy and active. My procedural work means I am daily weighing animals using balances; handling various drugs and compounds with syringes, needles and Gilson’s; collecting samples followed by processing, using centrifuges, microscopes and more.

I have learnt many important laboratory procedures i.e. Use of a Centrifuge, Gilson and more. These are important skills which will excel me forward with a science based career. I have further developed my communication skills whilst working at the company; their is a wide range of communication platforms including Email, Instant Message, Skype Talks and both physical and virtual meetings.

I am extremely pleased with my position and the company I work with, this has been seen in my commitment; staying later to complete tasks, coming in earlier, taking on more responsibilities within the company and including myself within every tasks I can to further develop both myself and the team. I have found that the job has been great in meeting my expectations.

The programme provided was very individual and unique which meant I could meet my goals and targets with a full understanding thanks to the coaches and tutors. However, being the first apprentices within my department meant the team had to adapt and learn themselves 'how to teach and work with apprentices'; especially in understanding the work we have to complete for both our qualifications and job role, importantly, this has made the team more adaptable and effective and with each day both myself and the team, are improving.

The employer provides both a face to face and online presence, for us to contact at any time we feel their is an issue, or we simply have a question. This is also encouraged by the employers approachability and honesty when communicating. The employer will also regularly involve themselves with my current tasks to understand what I am up to and ask questions throughout to increase my understanding and test my knowledge which helps develop skills further. Taking this all into consideration then I would say the employer provides a lot of high standard support.

The training provider has given a high level of support throughout my apprenticeship; unfortunately I only see my training provider once a month, during an on-site visit, this allows for great discussion on updates with a great volume of knowledge discussed. it also means at each visit, I am left with a great understanding of what is required from me next and what I can improve on regarding the past work carried out.

The qualification is based on working within a laboratory setting which is extremely helpful ex-vivo however I work 80 % in-vivo; due to this the qualification itself was not very beneficial to 80 % my work. However, the providers understood this and gave us the opportunity to complete a secondary qualification (IAT) alongside out Lab Tech course. This was fantastic, as the IAT is important for working in-vivo and for future job prospects; And I was extremely impressed with their ability to provide and help within or work

the company provides a wide range of activities, I have taken part in challenges (Bingos, Quizzes), TGIF get togethers which involve a bakery style competition and/ or a team meal; their are plenty of social activities including Bowling, Shooting, sports days and picnics/BBQ's. I have not taken part in, but they are available, Gym use, cinema trips to new movies, running clubs and trips abroad.

Yes

I would strongly recommend AstraZeneca to a friend; they're a supportive and prospering company with a lot of opportunities available. They've helped focus my goals and defined my understanding of working in a scientific industry. I believe that AstraZeneca provides a workplace environment that is all inclusive and understanding off all Genders and Ethnicities.

I'd say that AstraZeneca is a hardworking and active company that requires full attention and understanding of its goals and place in the pharmaceutical industry. That if you put in maximum effort at AstraZeneca you are rewarded and everything is appreciated as long as you put in, you get out.