IT Apprentice Review

My role involves rotating throughout the AstraZeneca IT Department every 8 months. Currently I'm working in Technology Innovation which involves procuring, researching and testing new and developing technologies to be used across the business. I manage a project called the Innovation Hub which is a central hub for technology within AstraZeneca.

I've learnt a lot during my short time at AstraZeneca. In my role, I'm always meeting new people which encourages your to develop good interpersonal skills and communication skills. I have also developed my proficiency in general IT skills such as Excel, Outlook and coding platform such as java and python.

My programme is challenging but certainly rewarding. Every day is different which makes it exciting. There is a great deal of support available to you and everyone is incredibly friendly and makes you feel really welcome and a part of the greater team. I've really enjoyed my program thus far.

There is a great structure in place that allows you to get support from both your work colleagues and your university lecturers. There are clear lines of communication and clear structure which is available to you in your university website and your Internal HR platform. Managers will adapt to your learning and working style which makes it a very inclusive and organised programme.

Support comes in many ways at AstraZeneca. You have your first line of communication with your line manager who works closely with you to achieve your goals you set and objectives you have within your work. The level of support goes above and beyond expectations and everyone else within the business will share this supportive mindset.

With the shift to a virtual learning platform due to COVID-19, there has definitely been challenges with Universities providing support to students over the last year. There needs to be more communication and feedback from University lecturers and detailed feedback and meetings being held more regularly to ensure all students are on track.

My Digital Technology Solutions qualifications has certainly helped in some areas of my role. For example, Introduction to Business Systems has allowed me to develop my passion for business by learning about how businesses operate effectively. Knowing this, I have adapted the way I see the business itself to make sure I'm making the best decisions when dealing with Stakeholders.

There are many Employee Resource Groups that are joinable at AstraZeneca. We have a gym and leisure centre on site (Hulley's Club) that all employees are welcome to join through ClubAZ. There is definitely something for everyone at AstraZeneca. Personally, I am a member of the gym and a part of the ERG AZ Inspire which hosts and plans events for employees.

Yes

I have massively enjoyed my time thus far at AstraZeneca. There is a great deal of support for Apprentices which made my transition from Sixth Form to work really smooth. My role has some of the most amazing people in it and the work I do is engaging and rewarding.

Make sure you have a high quality CV and answer the questions during the onboarding phase carefully. Make sure to include all the AstraZeneca values in your application as these will stand out to employers and make you look like a better candidate than others. But most importantly, be yourself!