IT Apprentice Review

I am currently working as a researcher and designer in User Experience. We design apps and websites for internal and external users. I have mainly been working with the researchers, I have helped conduct research into different diseases by talking to patients and gathering their insights so we can create an app that fully meets the needs of the patients. We have also conducted usability testing of the prototype app to get user feedback and gather their perceived ease-of-use and perceived usefulness. As well as completing project work I also attend university at MMU where I have just started the introduction to programming and business systems modules.

I have learnt many new skills since starting, I have massively developed my communication skills when delivering presentations and presenting ideas back to my team. I have always been nervous about delivering presentations but I feel like I have massively grown in confidence. I have also developed my analytical skills when reviewing data taken from the interviews by creating a thematic analysis. Through university I have been introduced to new skills such as coding which I have never done before.

I have loved working in User Experience as it has given me a great insight into how IT can be used in different ways and how it can be beneficial to any business. It has enabled me to gain confidence and experience by taking more important responsibilities within my team. I have loved being able to complete a degree whilst gaining real work experience at the same time. It is a fantastic opportunity and I would highly recommend anyone to apply for the apprenticeship scheme.

It is very well structured the apprenticeship programme and there is a lot of support for all apprentices from the early talent team and apprentices from previous years. Although I started virtually they made sure that we were all fully prepared with the right equipment and how to work efficiently at home. As part of my programme I have to rotate into a different department of my choice every 8 months without being in the office I have found it hard finding these opportunities for next rotations. I would like a bit more support and help choosing these next rotations.

There is a lot of support from my employer, from both the early talent team and from apprentices from previous years. We also have an apprentice committee that help rectify any issues apprentices are having and also organise fun social activities to help apprentices network. As part of my programme I have to rotate into a different department of my choice every 8 months without being in the office I have found it hard finding these opportunities for next rotations. I would like a bit more support and help choosing these next rotations.

I receive good support from my provider when working towards my qualifications. I get given enough time when I have upcoming assignments or exams to do university work in work hours. I can ask for help from apprentices from previous years as they have already done the same course and know how to help or put me into contact with people who can help. There is also good communication between myself and the lectures and there is good relationship between my provider and my university. If there are issues my provider communicates these well to my university and they get rectified quickly.

My university work is also linked to project work and it provides me with a foundation knowledge so I understand how departments function and communicate to the rest of the business. It has helped me develop my understanding of how businesses operate and how IT can be used to improve systems to make them more efficient. As I can choose my MMU pathway and my rotations I can ensure that university work is similar to what I am doing at work.

There are networking events put on by the apprentice committee and AZ inspire however whilst working from home it has been harder to get involved with these extra activities. IT also hold fikkas to encourage people to network and share work they are doing at the minute to get other departments involved with each others work so departments do not work in silo. These activities are good but it is harder to do virtually so I am looking forward to going back to the office to see how they would happen normally.

Yes

I would recommend applying to AstraZeneca to a friend I would tell them just do it- there is an incredible support network of apprentices that will help you out with anything whether that is work or university stuff they have already been through the process and are more than willing to help. Even though I started virtually there has been so much support for me from the apprentices in the years above and the early talent team. My own team have also been so friendly, welcoming and supportive since I started and have made my start the best it possibly could have been.

When starting the apprenticeship one thing that scared me was thinking I needed to be very techy and know a lot about coding but that wasn’t the case at all! There are so many different departments with people varying in skills from people with no IT skills to others being amazing at coding. Even at university with the “Introduction to Programming” I felt intimidated at the beginning as I had never studied it before but there is so much support and everyone at AZ is more than happy to help as they know how hard it can be for a newbie to coding.