Process Engineer Apprentice Review

I am in the role of Pilot Plant Chemist. I work a three week shift pattern involving 12 hour day and night shifts. I operate both manual and computerised pilot plants and perform analysis on samples of batch manufactures and unit cleans in a laboratory. I interact with engineers, campaign managers, members of the senior leadership team and other Pilot Plant chemists and technicians regularly. I have the opportunity to take on improvement projects, which involves communicating with people in my department, as well as external companies.

I have developed my communication skills through working as part of a team and giving my input and listening to others in meetings. I have developed new skills in the form of operating plant, understanding Environmental Permit Regulations, Safety, Health and Environment factors and Good Manufacturing Practice. My university course has developed my existing mathematics skills and taught me new engineering and chemistry knowledge.

I really enjoy work and the team and environment that I work in. The job exceeds my expectations and challenges me to develop a wide range of skills and push myself to further my knowledge. I am able to align the work and study I do to the company's values and behaviours.

The induction process and following training processes have a good structure and are enjoyable. I am supported with my study by a mentor, whom I meet with frequently. My programme was fairly poorly organised during my first year due to complications with the delivery of the university course, however the course is now being delivered in a manner that I find to be engaging and interactive. Lecturers are generally good at communicating with students and course material seems very well organised.

My manager supports me by helping me to set myself goals for the year and monitor my personal development. I have a mentor who is a process engineer. I meet with her every 6 weeks and during our meetings we either discuss engineering projects of hers or university work, or sometimes my course content aligns with a project so we discuss that. I would say that support is very accessible - my team support me on the pilot plant and my mentor supports me with university work. I also have regular meetings with a member of the senior leadership team, who offers support to myself and other apprentices. I am very pleased with the support that AstraZeneca give me.

The university lecturers communicate well and respond to any questions the students have in the run up to exams/assessments. They also provide a good amount of material to help us prepare. We have class forums where we are able to ask questions or address any queries regarding course content, which is responded to by both fellow students and lecturers. I enjoy the large majority of the course content.

What I am learning in my degree helps me to understand the chemical processes, methods of manufacture and equipment used on the pilot plant. I am beginning to put the theory into practice by working beyond my job role on plant improvement projects. I will soon begin secondments at work, which have been chosen to help me apply my theoretical studies to departments/roles at work.

I have attended company events, such as trips organised for engineers to external companies, Christmas meals and apprentice promotional events. I am part of a Female Engineering Network, as well as a Process Engineer Network, both of which hold regular meetings that allow both the development of my engineering awareness and my networking skills. The department I work in volunteer once a year, which is great for team bonding whilst helping out in the local community. I have a gym membership at work and enjoy attending classes. When I'm not working I am either playing hockey, socialising with friends and family, studying or relaxing.

Yes

AstraZeneca has a great working environment. Colleagues are supportive and like-minded in their goal to help the patients. The company provides plentiful training and development opportunities, as well as opportunities to network and become a member of a network or even start your own network. The company is proud of its apprentice presence and sees them as the future of the company, which makes me feel welcomed into AZ.

Just be yourself. Although academic record is key, line managers want to find apprentices whose personalities suit the company and their team. Try to relax during the assessment day and make the most of the current apprentices who help out on the day. Ask any questions you have as no question is a silly question. If you get the opportunity to gain work experience relative to the pharmaceutical sector then grab this opportunity as it may help during the application process.