Analytical Project apprentice Review

I am an analytical chemist in the pharmaceutical industry, we are responsible for developing analytical methods to be used on active pharmaceutical ingredients, intermediates and starting materials for use on drugs in clinical trials. These are used to test aspects such as purity and impurity levels. I am also in the separation science team who are responsible for troubleshooting equipment, training new starters and general support to the department.

I have been involved in several projects and have even led small projects. This has built my project management skills and communication due to collaborating on work. I have also improved my organisational skills from organising meets and ensure notes are taken, this has allowed projects to progress smoothly. I have also improved my presentation skills due to opportunities to present internally and externally.

I am constantly learning new things and am given new development opportunities tailored to my desires. This means that no day is the same as another. I have received a lot of support from my peers so I am gaining more experience. I have also enjoyed being given key responsibilities.

My mentor had a structured plan for my times as an apprentices with key goals and objectives mapped out for the first year. This meant I had a clear structure to follow which allowed me to settle well into the new environment. In my second and third year I have tailored the goals more to projects I have wanted to get involved in whilst ensuring they align with departmental objectives. I have had a day dedicated to my studies each week and this has remained a constant day.

My employers have supported me very well during the process. I have a regular 1:1 with my manager to discuss my progress and any concerns I have. I also have regular catch up meetings with my mentor to provide further support. My employers understand the policy for one day a week studying and ensure that this is constantly met. They also allow me to take occasional extra times during busy periods of university work.

My employers have ensured that I receive my allotted university study time. They have also allowed me to take additional time with busy periods of university work. Also, scientists in my department have provided support sessions for theory which I have been struggling with and are all also happy to check my work including reports for scientific and grammatical support.

My training provider have allowed me to perform better in my role both academically, however they have also helped me develop my 'soft' skills. For example, each year at residential we have had to do a presentation which was one of my improvements. I have become more confident at presenting each year. Also they have helped with career skills to ensure we have proper development plans in place in work.

I am involved in the gym which also included gym classes. This has allowed me to meet other people who work in different departments and learn about their roles. Apprenticeships are promoted highly at AstraZeneca and there are regular networking events to allow us to learn more about what other apprentices do in their roles. There are also more early talent networking events and 'lunch and learn' sessions where we can learn more about the business as a whole.

Yes

AstraZeneca have supported me very well during my apprenticeship. They have ensured that I received my university time and I am fully supported for this. They are also keep to promote personal development and tailor these plans to each individual which has allowed me to get involved with projects which aren't necessarily focused on my job role. There is great appreciation of the employees which inspires hard work which creates a good working environment.

AstraZeneca is a very popular company to work for and therefore receive a large number of applications. You therefore need to ensure you stand out on your CV and ensure you're showing the impact of the work you have already done. Also, focusing on soft skills as these are important in apprenticeships.