Quality Assurance Support Officer Review

Sampling and analysis of drug components, along with other related admin activities. Sampling typically involves preparing samples either from an individual container or from a blend (from across multiple containers) and testing it on a near infra-red reflectance machine for ID samples (individual) or sending it off to QC labs for further analysis (blend). A wide range of sampling techniques are used - different for each type of substance. Before sampling, all batch records must be checked and second checked to make sure details are correct and each product sampled must be logged, both manually and electronically. Other processes/daily activities include dispatching and releasing materials. My role is involved in testing the purity and safety of pharmaceutical products manufactured either on site or overseas helping protect patients.

My confidence has developed massively since working at AstraZeneca; I have learned how to present effectively using a wide range of presentation skills including: positive body language, voice projection and structuring. Nevertheless, I have learnt how to collaborate well with others and show more attention to detail through working in a team of people, willing to help with my development. I have also learned how to cope better with higher volumes of work, and, learned what type of learner I am via a workshop AstraZeneca set up on personal effectiveness.

I thoroughly enjoy my apprenticeship programme from the physical job, right through to the studying section of the course. My programme offers endless opportunities for me to develop and grow throughout the business, and as an individual, presenting many on-the-job training courses for me to get involved with, for example, I am able to help out in representing the business at careers fairs, which helps me to build on my presenting skills and overall confidence.

I believe my programme is very well structured, it provides clearly outlined sections for studying the course content and AstraZeneca offers 8 hours of study each week in order for me to be able to carry out my studies. I feel as though I am constantly progressing and going forward.

I have so far received bundles of support from my line manager and company as a whole right from the beginning via weekly emails and a workplace group letting us know about endless activities and training we can get involved in. In my exams and further studies I feel extremely well supported by my manger, we sit down regularly for chats to discuss my development and how I am feeling about upcoming exams and training etc.

I receive less support from the university, however, the support I do get is very good. If I ask for help my module conveyor is usually quick to reply and the advice given is helpful although, when it comes to having reviews with my university point of contact, they seem few and far between, when they do happen I feel well supported but I do feel more could be done to make them more regular.

The content links well to the work I'm doing within AstraZeneca and sits well alongside my on-the-job training. I feel my course helps me to perform better at work through me being better equipped with the knowledge to understand to process behind what I am doing, it helps me to grasp certain concepts more easily as I already have the foundations to build on. For example, I am currently learning about analytical instruments which are used within my workplace, the research helps me to better understand how things work and why/ what we use them for.

AstraZeneca offers many extra-curricular activities to get involved in such as volunteering for local causes e.g. raising money for local charities through bake sales and auctions and clubs such as the knitting club and quiz nights. I have been lucky enough to be able to help out at multiple careers fairs through AstraZeneca to represent the company. All extra-curricular activities are displayed on the AstraZeneca workplace page. Additionally, there is ClubAZ which is available for all employees to join that involves football, gym, beauty, running teams etc.

Yes

It is a great place to work, the opportunities on offer are endless no matter what your interests are AstraZeneca will have something for you. The benefits included are brilliant and the treatment of staff is exemplary. The community feel is like no other and you feel well supported and encouraged to develop further. Employees are recognised and celebrated for all achievements, big or small via workplace, weekly reports and the AstraZeneca STOP card system. Also, the company its self offers world class medicines to patients all around the globe making me feel as though I am really making a difference.

Just do it! You have nothing to loose, just make sure that you structure your CV so that it looks professional and so it includes attributes you have that make you desirable to the pharma industry. Also, before considering an apprenticeship make sure it is the right route for you, are you willing to take on the role and a student and full time worker? Be confident in the interview process and relax, they're not there to scare you they just want to know what your like as a person and if you are a good fit for the job, so show off your positive qualities and be yourself. Don't forget to look presentable and make a good first impression - body language is important.