IT Apprentice Review

The main core element of my role is learning and self development, an aspect in which AstraZeneca helps Apprentices with. Within my role I have the chance to rotate in different areas of the business, having exposure to many different areas within IT, this allows me to gather insights and knowledge into many different IT practices. In my current role (first rotation) I am working within the Data Science team, in which I have picked up key skills such as Python script writing, key concepts of data science and Machine Learning. Every day is a new learning curve and sometimes a slight challenge, although with support from my Manager, Buddy, Mentor and peers I have enough help to always have a fantastic chance to learn new things with all necessary support. My key responsibilities include things such as time management when given new tasks, prioritising tasks in importance to ensure the most important work is done first, presentation skills when presenting to peers or the team ( this involves effectively structuring my presentations ). Also, I have the chance to participate in external events that develop my confidence and presenting skills. Many of these events include visiting schools or leading presentations in regards to the Degree Apprenticeship Programme, something I am always happy to talk about, presenting to an audience allows me to develop my speaking skills, confidence and presenting skills. Internally, there is always a possibility to learn. Many of the team members or peers lead workshops internally that allow everyone to learn new skills in Programming or other areas such as presenting, correct business communication. My current project consists of analysing questionnaire data, working on such a project has developed my knowledge of Python as I have learnt the programming language from no knowledge at all. Also, I have learnt about key concepts of Data Analysis such as statistical analysis, mono variate and exploratory analysis, data plots and visualisations, machine learning in data science and many more!

Yes, of course! During my Apprenticeship I have learned many new skills. Key skills include technical programming in the Python language, as-well as learning about key concepts of Data Science in my first rotation. Although, in addition to this I have learned and developed my resilience whilst in the workplace, how to effectively manage my time and prioritise tasks, how to effectively create and structure presentations and deliver them, aligning that to the audience effectively. I think most importantly, I have learnt skills that can only be truly developed and understood in practice, and with internal and external workshops AstraZeneca has ensured that my skills and learning is maximised to the highest possibility and that my potential is stretched as much as possible.

I enjoy my programme a lot! Everyday there is something new available and knowing that I have the chance to change business areas just makes the programme even better! I enjoy coming into the workplace and being able to communicate with team members, everyone is so welcoming! The company culture and ethics are patient centric, which makes working even better - knowing that I am a part of changing patients lives as-well as saving lives drives me to perform and help the company even better. Working at AstraZeneca feels like being a part of a big family with one mission - helping patients. It is not always work based, there is always enough time to take a break and communicate with others as-well as exchange views and knowledge in different areas.

The induction was well organised and has allowed for every apprentice to get to know each other whilst also understanding the company itself and its core principals as-well as the apprenticeship programme. Training provided is to a high standard, usually professionals from external sources are brought in to provide workshops for apprentices in which we can learn new skills and develop our strong/weak areas. Support is substantial, I am given support from my Manager, Buddy ( who is a more experienced apprentice ), mentor and peers. Also, resources are always available on the online portal that can help me understand new topics or areas. Udemy is provided for myself which allows to pick up new areas of IT. Meetings are put in place weekly with my Manager, Buddy and Mentor. This allows to always flag any issues if any and also catch up on work done. It is always good to catch up with someone of more experience as they may provide insights and views that are "out of the box", allowing me to take correct decisions and also learn new views going forwards. Task delegation is fair, tasks are evenly given and I do not feel that I am "over-loaded" with work. My manager in specific knows my potential and aligns my tasks appropriately and when I feel that there is too much work I can always flag this without any issue. In regard to Team Hierarchy, I feel that everyone is counted equal. I don't feel that I am disregarded or valued less as an "apprentice". I am given real time projects that any other person would do whilst also being guided forwards at a steady and my own pace. Regardless if someone has just started or is a senior leader, everyone is given an equal opportunity evaluated only by how much work and dedication they put in. Overall, the programme is very well organised.

Support provided is of a high level. I am given support and exposed to learning resources or information from different areas. My manager has been an extremely huge help and has guided me throughout the company and within the team. He has passed on his knowledge and experience to me, being able to learn from someone like himself is amazing! Support is highly accessible either online or form my mentor or HR team. In case of any problems I know exactly where to turn to dependant on problem, there is a whole team that support apprentices. Everyone is always willing to provide help and support within my team whenever I am stuck. I have never felt that I have nowhere to turn to in regards to support or help.

The support from my training provided is there, but I feel that most of my learning is actually derived from working within the business. When at University I am given the right amount of help to progress and learn new things, when out at work I have the chance to contact my tutors from University via distance learning, this allows for me to ask any questions, bring up any queries etc. Sometimes it may take a while to reply which is understandable. Support materials are always available online, through which I can look and learn from. The general attitude to helping and supporting me is of a high standard, although I feel that sometimes the distance learning may get difficult and it isn't always that I get a response, which again is understandable of course.

Learning the things that I have in my apprenticeship allow for me to be ready for the business in the future. With the skills learnt I can apply this into a future job vacation, possibly even having more experience in practice than other applicants. The theory that I learn is always put into practice on a day-to-day basis, either in simple or complicated cases I am always using the knowledge learnt and applying it appropriately. I think that, from initially coming into a pharmaceutical company I had no idea or knowledge surrounding such an industry, although now I am very familiar with different role and their business cases as-well as how an IT role contributes to a such a company. Completing my qualification allows to understand the role and industry a lot more than I have ever had the chance to.

There are always extra-curricular events that you can get involved in. Many apprentices organise social gatherings. When I had joined I have part-taken in many social events with other apprentices which was a fantastic way to develop my networks within the company. These events were also organised with other employees of the company which allowed me to reach out my network. There is a lot of opportunity to also part-take in voluntary initiatives, helping the community, and external events such as school fairs about Apprenticeships. My building has a gym facility that is completely free to use, which is extremely helpful and cost effective! I have the chance to train at the gym every day after work and store my gym clothing in a secured place. When not working, I sometimes take part in out of work social events (such as pub nights, quiz nights, rock-climbing, karaoke nights etc) this allows for me to make friends from work out of work!

Yes

AstraZeneca is a fantastic company to work for! Especially the Apprenticeship programme is great. Every employee of the company has been extremely helpful and there is huge room for personal development and learning. The morals and principals of the company are right, and knowing that I work for a company that saves patients lives is amazing! AZ ensures that each employee is valued appropriately and everyone plays a part to the wider picture.

I think one of the key tips is show that you are engaged in the role that you are applying into. Learn about the company itself beforehand as-well as the role you are applying. Showcase your interest and want for learning. Don't be hesitant to ask questions, in fact, the more questions you ask, the more engaged you seem to be! Put across any experiences you may have in regard to your role but also any voluntary work, hobbies or skills you can bring. Any skills is a good skill and can always be applied to any role so present yourself as well as possible, every small thing that you have done can always play a part!