Supply Chain Apprentice Review

My role comprises of managing clinical studies, the management of temperature deviations during clinical shipments as well as ongoing work based projects. I also balance the workload by allocating 20% of my work to complete my university assignments ensuring at the end of apprenticeship I will have received four years of work based training and a degree.

During my time in the apprenticeship, I have learnt a lot of new skills as well as developing some of the current skills I held before entering the organisation. I have improved my levels of communication and working with teams in different roles contributing towards a project. I have learnt how to manage my workload a lot better and ensuring I keep a good worklife /personal life balance

I have fully enjoyed my time on the programme so far and have had no complaints. I like that that you are given personal goals to drive towards and are given opportunities to exceed these to accelerate your personal development. The university provides enough support to help meet the assignments and ensure you get the grade of your ability.

My programme is has been well structured to provide me a extensive training program to be reviewed at quarterly stages to ensure i am meeting current expectations and also to kick off the conversation with certain teams to meet tasks I have not currently completed. This programme is also well structured with the university modules working and allowing me to discuss the ways of working within a module assignment.

I receive continual support from my line manager as well as other members of the team to ensure I can continue to improve and meet the goals expected of myself. I can have a serious and informal conversation at any point to discuss an idea or find a new way of completing a process.

I have detailed modules which pre-covid were done face to face and completed over multiple days. The tutors provide a great knowledge within supply chain knowledge and there are module tutors who train you in essay and report writing so you achieve the higher grades. The tutors are available by email and will respond to any queries and provide feedback as long as emails are sent in a timely manner.

The knowledge provided from the training provider has allowed an increased quantity of responsibility as I am able to understand assignments better. I am able to train new members of the team and can take leads on projects whilst delegating tasks to subordinates. At the end of the program, I hope to take a lead on more projects.

Pre-Covid, I attended 5 a side football with work colleagues. There are also socials planned by older apprentices which are accessible by anyone who wishes to take part. This encourages social skills and networking. Having this available to me, made it a lot easier to make friends moving across the country for this apprenticeship.

Yes

I have had no issues with the organisation. They have treated me fairly and there is a very friendly culture embedded into the business which can be seen from the first day. I currently and will continue to recommend Astrazeneca to friends and family for roles since the company have many roles within different areas of the business.

Take an interest into the company and the role you have applied for! Do background research and decide why AstraZeneca is the company for you. Take the interviews and any part of the application as a learning experience to develop your personal skills and this for me as well as other apprentices was one for the earlier opportunities to gain standard workplace experiences and opportunities.