Associate Scientist Review

My Day to dale role in based in the development of our active ingredients for the medicines we make. My partical role focuses on our automated technology and the solubility of our active pharmaceutical ingredients and their intermediates. On a day to day basis this mainly involves lab based work, data analysis and manipulation and attending meetings

Over the course of my apprenticeship I have learnt a whole host of skills and developed others (way too many to mention individually!) These skills have been taught by both my employer and the university provider.

I really enjoy the programme and the wise variety of topics that it covers. I have learnt so much from both the employer and degree provider

The programme wasn't as organised when it first started due to it being relatively new to both parties however with feedback taken on board the programme is now excellent.

I receive a lot of support from my employer. I have a personal mentor, line manager and an apprentice coordinator that all look after my day to day role and my degree. Alongside this everyone that I work with is always willing to help me in whatever way they can to learn.

For the qualification learning we have our module tutors that are always on hand to ask questions about the particular part of that module however alongside this we also have a year tutor and a onefile tutor that can help with different aspects of the course as we go through it.

Without my qualification I wouldn't be able to carry out my day job with the level of understanding that I have learnt from the course. It has also provided broader context of how business run in general and other aspects that we might not have learnt otherwise.

There are many extra-curricular activities to get involved with both specifically for apprentices, young people working in AZ and wider AZ activities. There is always something you can be joining in with.

Yes

AstraZeneca is a great company to work for, not only do they support their staff in every situation but they value the work that you do both on bigger projects but also on the day-to-day jobs at hand.

First thing I always say is to never by shy of asking questions. When you first start you are most likely new to the industry and asking questions is your primary way of learning and understanding. I would also say that an apprenticeship is hard work between working full time and studying but also to remember to have some down time and relax otherwise time will fly way too quickly without you taking a break! Finally enjoy!