Apprentice Technician Scientist Review

I am based in quality control, our aims are to ensure AstraZeneca's product quality is upheld to the highest of standards. Daily tasks involve microbial identification techniques such as gram staining. Other tasks include chemical and microbial analysis of water samples as well as various laboratory tasks.

Constantly learning new laboratory skills and techniques. I have also developed my presentation skills due to the workshops AstraZeneca provided

I thoroughly enjoy my job. My team were very welcoming, this runs though AstraZeneca as a company. It has exceeded my expectations, I didn't except to be so involved from the start.

The induction could have been more streamlined in terms of getting enrolled with Kent University, as we had some problems with this. I also hadn't met anyone from my team before I started, I think it would have been nice for someone to reach out. I always get a university day each week. My goals for 2021 were set in January with my line manager. Overall I would say that my program is well structured. My university course is split up into weeks which makes it easy to follow.

From the beginning I was supported by my team co-ordinator as well as my fellow colleagues. I know who I can contact if any problems arise, everyone is more than happy to help. AstraZeneca as a company support there employees by offering many services such as askHR as well as by providing access to paid services.

There was a problem with the delay in replies from Kent University however this has now been sorted by having a new central email address which the university will monitor daily. My apprenticeship advisor is very helpful in answering any questions I have, she also helps guide me in terms of my progress with the degree. I really enjoy the qualification I am working towards.

My role and qualification are directly linked so I can learn about something one week then be able to apply it in the laboratory. Some parts of the course aren't linked to my current role but I think it is good to have them to allow me to have a broader understanding of the subject and it also allows me to be flexible in my role.

Due to Covid-19 most of them have been postponed but there are lots of things to still get involved with. There are always online social events. AstraZeneca have a gym at the Macclesfield site where they offer classes as well as personal training. My team has a Christmas party each year, unfortunately this years was cancelled. We are kept up to date with all the events via workplace which I think is a great platform for keeping everyone involved in such a large company.

Yes

It is a great company to work for, one of AstraZeneca's main goals is for it to be a great company to work for which I think tells you everything you need to know. There are so many company benefits which they offer as well as a competitive salary. Due to the size of AstraZeneca there are so many opportunities to move around the company to gain experience in new roles. The people at AstraZeneca all represent the companies values, everyone who I have met has always been very friendly and helpful.

Make sure you know the companies values before your interview. Try to get work experience in your preferred role before applying. I would advise you read up on the history of AstraZeneca to get a better understanding of the company. Try to relax in the interview and most importantly just be yourself.