Procurement Apprentice Review

My role in Procurement is to help support a number of different projects which supply the drugs for use in Clinical Trials. This involves working with suppliers from across the globe, to achieve savings and procure the best quality products for the company. I have a lot of responsibility for a young person in this role and my team are so supportive.

I have definitely learnt lots of new skills which involve project leadership and presentation skills. I have developed my communication and team work but also been able to prove that I can work well as an individual too. I have become more competent on Excel, PowerPoint and other IT systems of which I use in my day to day work, alongside being able to use new systems that I have never experienced before.

I really enjoy my apprenticeship, I feel lucky to be in this position and I think AstraZeneca is a great place to work. I feel very supported and feel like I could go to anyone for help if and when I needed it. I get to be involved in exciting thing and am given so many opportunities within my Procurement apprenticeship.

My programme is well structured, I have one day a week for my study with CIPS and I often have revision and training sessions with my education provider, of which, I am able to take the time away from work to complete. I also get lots of time to dedicate the needed time to my work tasks and if it gets too much I can always speak to someone who can help me out which is brilliant.

My employer is very supportive, we had a lot of support and guidance given to us in the first few weeks and months of our apprenticeships and still often get members of the apprenticeship team reaching out to myself to ask how I am etc. My manager and team are there whenever I need them and couldn't be better.

The way in which my course is structured means that I have content delivery sessions online and then the revision for exams is left down to me. This way the learning is fairly independent and my course is completely exam based rather than assignments - this I don't mind. I have regular 1-2-1's with my tutor from CIPS who also speaks to my mentor at work and my line manager about my progress which is great.

I have felt that the work I have done in my qualification has really helped with my role. Prior to my apprenticeship I didn't know anything about procurement however my course has allowed me to learn more about this side of the business and then see how it applies in my day to day working life - which really solidifies the learning.

There are loads of things to get involved in, the apprentice committee always run social events for the apprentices which is a great way to make friends. As well as department quizzes and volunteering opportunities. There is different events to go and represent AstraZeneca at and also lots of opportunities to take time away from work and relax with your team over a coffee as we have a costa onsite.

Yes

AstraZeneca is a great place to work, I feel a sense of pride being part of the workforce. I am also very supported as a young person and surprisingly well represented, anyone and everyone I have spoken to have spoke back to me in a kind and friendly manner which is so nice when joining a huge global company at such a young age. The site is amazing and the people are even better, a lovely atmosphere and support there for anyone who needs it.

Be yourself, stand out from the crowd. Try your best. Grades aren't everything - but they are important. You must be committed to learning and be ready to work hard. Try not to be too nervous for the assessment day, just made sure you do your research and appear confident when speaking.