Labratory Science Degree Apprentice Review

I have been supporting my colleagues with the characterisation of their project work. This involves using a combination of different instruments, such as the Optical Microscopy/ G3 Morphology/ Scanning Electron Microscopy and X-Ray Powder Diffraction. I use these to assess that the crystals grown, are the “right particle”. This includes looking for the correct form, purity, size and shape etc. More recently I have been assisting in the actual crystallisation and isolation process so I am able to get used to the methods for my own project work. I have been responsible in supporting members of my team with their projects both for manufacture and development. This has involved me collecting their samples and characterising them on their behalf. I have been responsible for sampling different stages throughout a crystallisation experiment as well as supporting to run one.

While working at this company I have developed so many of the skills that I already had from college and school. My skills have come so far and I can see how much further they can go. I have improved skills such as practical skills in the lab but most of all I feel like my soft skills and people skills have excelled further than I thought they could. I already saw myself as confident, friendly and easy to talk to but I am so happy with how far I have come since working here the short time. I can still see so much room for improvement which I see as a goal to work towards. AstraZeneca offers so many training courses and encourage employees to always better themselves, I have attended presentation skills and “meeting behaviour” courses and learn such simple but effective techniques to become more professional.

I really enjoy my programme and feel so welcome and comfortable with all my team. I enjoy coming to work every day and love the environment I work in. The education provider made it a little difficult during the induction a first but all criticism was taken on board and amendments where made straight away. A similar issue was apparent in the work place at first with the induction but I feel that may have been the programme as a whole which did make me a little dubious but after the first week everything had settled and I couldn't be happier.

The University work and the on-the-job work does align sometimes making it very useful to link the two experiences but for the most part I have a separate job to my education programme. However when looking at the bigger picture I can see how both parts will eventually pull together to give me the best possibilities. Sometimes the education provider lacks in organisation due to many different online platforms being used by multiple tutors making it hard to understand what is being asked of us students, but this can usually be solved each time by a exchanging a few emails for clarification.

I receive all possible support I would ever need. All team members and fellow colleagues all over to help me both with my practical jib and my University studies. thy allow me to have access to any personal tutoring and resources I may require. I also have many contacts willing to provide advice as and when I need the support. Although always being reassured that the support is available I don't always want to ask for it as I may seem as underachieving for needing help but this is only down to personal preference.

Whenever I have ever asked for help I have always been provided with a contact to ask for advice or a source of help. Tutors and University staff are proactive in providing exam preparation and skills workshops throughout the course and for each module there is tailored help available to access. On the odd occasion, tutors are asked numerus times before the question is answered in enough detail to be helpful .

Some Modules that I am required to complete at University teach me information that I would not have known, such as safety data sheets, COSHH and workplace regulations. These all became very useful when having to do my actual health and safety assessments at work! This is just a small example of how my qualification has helped me so far but I know that in future the education I will be provided with my qualification will help me understand the context of what I do at work to give me a better understanding of what I do.

In my workplace I have lots of opportunities to join groups and extracurricular teams to learn about new things. I am currently part of the culture connect team which involves organising charity events and fundraising in the workplace. In this team we also organise workplace social events and get togethers. I am also quite proactive in organising meetings with people Who I see doing things that I would like to learn about. I often sign up to extra learning courses to find out more about other parts of the workplace.

Yes

During my short time at AstraZeneca I have been made to feel part of such a huge community so quickly And I was so overwhelmed by my welcome from everyone in my team and in the wider workplace. AstraZeneca is an amazing place to work and you are always made to feel comfortable and open about any issues you may have. I feel safe and looked after while at work as well as feeling privileged to call myself an AstraZeneca employee. I have learnt so much since working at this company both physically and mentally and I truly believe I am a better person since working here.

Always be honest to yourself and show any interviewers who you really are. AstraZeneca don't expect anything more than you are and they don't ever want you to pretend to be better. I feel comfortable with the level I'm at no matter how much higher someone may be. AstraZeneca wants their employees to be honest, caring, motivated and proactive.