Oncology Scientific Apprentice Review

by AstraZeneca

Best Apprenticeship Employer

Rating

9.9/10

1. Please give an overview of your role and what this involves on a day-to-day basis:

I am a Oncology apprentice working in translational genomics. On a typical day in the lab, I am developing and optimising assays and working with clinical samples.

10/10

2. Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?

I have developed my confidence and presentation skills and also am now much better at communicating. I have learnt lots of new lab skills

10/10

3. To what extent do you enjoy your programme?

I very much enjoy my programme. It is very challenging and no two days are the same. There are always new technologies and things to test. It is a really exciting department to work in

10/10

4. How well organised/structured is your programme?

My programme is very well organised and AZ are great at helping me decide on what projects would be best for me etc. It is also very flexible with my study days

10/10

5. How much support do you receive from your employer?

I receive lots of support from my employer. I have a supervisor who I have a one to one with every other week and I have a buddy who can help me with day to day questions. I work with a lot of other scientists who are very supportive with not only work but also study

10/10

6. How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?

The training providers are supportive and I know I can book a meeting with them if I am struggling

9/10

7. How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?

It helps me to develop my theoretical knowledge and wider biological knowledge which I can apply to my day to day role

10/10

8. Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)

Yes, there are lots of social events virtually now due to covid) and we have large department networking days every quarter

10/10

9a. Would you recommend AstraZeneca to a friend?

Yes

9b. Why?

It is a great place to work, everyone is so friendly and helpful and I am learning so much

10. What tips or advice would you give to others applying to AstraZeneca?

Be yourself and use the AZ values in your interview with examples to help demonstrate what kind of person you are