Level 6 Laboratory Scientist Apprentice Review

I work in the biomarker discovery team within Early Respiratory and Immunology's translational sciences and experimental medicine department. My role is to assist with biomarker identification and development of techniques to help identify and measure biomarkers in patient samples. My daily tasks include running immunoassays, data processing, organising agendas for team meetings and logistical tasks (for example shipment of samples and logging/tracking human samples). My daily interactions mainly consist of conversations with my manager and speaking to other Early Respiratory and Immunology colleagues. External communications include speaking to collaborators and consumable suppliers.

In doing this apprenticeship, I have been able to develop my confidence both inside and outside the workplace. It has enabled me to improve my communication skills as well as interactions with others. The main advantage has been to learn key experimental techniques required for a role in the pharmaceutical research industry. AstraZeneca encourage employees to get involved with training courses which cover many areas to help develop whichever skills you require. I have been able to go on presenting with confidence, personal effectiveness and project management courses.

I work in a brilliant team with colleagues who are always happy to help me and have a very supportive manager. I thoroughly enjoy the work I do in the laboratory and am privileged to work on top tier projects where my work has impacted and supported these. AstraZeneca ensures there are opportunities to integrate with other groups within the company and get involved with events to expand our knowledge of the science and company.

The University of Kent are slow at replying to emails, if they reply at all, and often request details from us that have already been previously provided. The online training resources are nicely structured week-by-week, but the content itself frequently contains spelling and grammatical errors as well as errors in the actual information we are meant to be learning from. Transitioning from a level 5 to level 6 apprenticeship was a slow and painful process where many of the criteria for being able to commence the new course were unnecessary and time-consuming.

I have a great manager who sets aside time every week for a catch up with me. He ensures that I have plenty of time for my studies and supports me with any issues I have. He is always approachable and I know that if I have a problem I can talk to him. My colleagues are also very approachable and help with any questions I have as well as give me support on learning new techniques.

The University of Kent do quarterly reviews with me which mainly consist of updating them on recent coursework and exam results. They insist to contact them if we have questions or issues but they either do not reply or take 2-3 weeks to get back to you. For these reasons, I find Kent disorganised and cannot depend on them for support with my studies or any other issues that I may have during my apprenticeship.

The content of the degree is very much related to on the job work and includes typical experimental techniques used in the lab, regulations that are pertinent to the role and other relevant information on the pharmaceutical industry which has aided in expanding my understanding of the science relating to my role and introduce me to new methods that could be used. The course also provides an overview of the drug discovery process which is beneficial when you are only working within a specific section of the drug discovery process, allowing you to get a more in depth understanding of the other areas of work that occur.

AstraZeneca have an AZinspire group, specifically targeting the younger employees which organise events which help develop their understanding of the company and drug discovery process. These include symposiums and even trips to AstraZeneca's headquarters in Gothenburg, Sweden. Every year, there are team building activities that employees can attend to improve team interactions as well as having a monthly event where employees are invited to join a social event at the Cambridge site where the aim is to encourage inter-department interactions.

Yes

AstraZeneca provide many opportunities to develop yourself and career through encouraging team members and training courses. They give you the opportunities to follow the science that interests you most and support your professional development. The work done at AstraZeneca puts patients first through innovative science and is highly rewarding to be involved in. AstraZeneca also provides a wide range of apprenticeships from laboratory scientists to engineers and HR staff. They celebrate the apprenticeship scheme with events during national apprenticeship week in February every year.

I would advise applicants to be enthusiastic and show your passion for the area that they are applying for. Try not to be nervous for the interview as all of the managers I've met have been very approachable and good to talk to, so being yourself and just enjoying it will allow them to get a better idea of who you are your potential. AstraZeneca is a great company to work for and there are a lot of perks to the job if you get the position.