Lab technician Review

I'm a lab technician and I'm part of the metabolism team. My role is to complete housekeeping in the lab and also help contribute to projects in in vitro screening. Lab work may be, detecting protein concentration in BCA assays or RNA extractions and cAMP screening, to test potency of compounds.

I've learnt how to present in front of audiences and also learn the importance of planning for a presentation. Furthermore, I've learnt how to culture cells and learn what is needed to maintain healthy cell lines e.g. Apply PBS, spraying materials with ethanol before entering the hood

I really enjoy the programme. I like the balance of working 4 days a week and having a day a week to study for my uni work. Everybody here at AZ are very supportive and tolerate margins for error as they're aware that we're apprentices. There apprenticeship scheme also provides opportunities to have social events with one and other too.

I have regular progress reviews with my employer (cogent skills) and learning provider (Kent) which the programme takes very seriously as this prevents us from being behind with learning. The programme allows 1 day a week studying for university and the 4 other days work. Everybody supporting the programme are always happy to help and ask regularly how the students are doing

They regularly ask how we're getting on and have progress reviews every 8 weeks. If there is any issues in regards to the work side, cogent skills provide support and look after to us, to make our learning less stressful. We've been given many opportunities to carry out workshops and help progress our learning e.g. presentation skills.

We have a regular progress review and go through the different our SIAS books to ensure we're completing our evidence for our end point assessment. Furthermore, the study guide on moodle supplied by Kent university has been very insightful and has allowed me to develop my learning to complete the module successfully.

I've been able to apply the information in the module 'microbiology'. For instance, the culturing techniques and aseptic techniques has improved my performance by reducing the risk of contamination. Knowing the importance of sterilisation, has allowed me to increase the quality of my work

The apprentices get involved in many social activities that the programme provides. There's networking events internally where apprentices present on the work that they've done to other employees in the company.

Yes

I strongly would, as the company is large and you're guaranteed security e.g. wasn't made furloughed during covid-19. AstraZeneca provides many different options of what roles you can get involved in and learn.

Plan ahead of potential questions in the interview and understand the core values of AstraZeneca before starting as these values are constant through the backbone of the company. Also, to not get stressed or overwhelmed when starting as you're not expected to be as skilled as the established employees at AstraZeneca straight away