Apprentice Lab Technician Review

by AstraZeneca

Best Apprenticeship Employer

Rating

8.8/10

1. Please give an overview of your role and what this involves on a day-to-day basis:

Each day is different on my apprenticeship. Some days i am testing tablets for microbes, testing water samples for endotoxins, helping around the lab to get samples ready and helping other testers. There is lots of training going on too.

9/10

2. Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?

I have learned so much working here in only a few months. I have learned lots of testing technques physically and also how to work aseptically and safely. I have also learned so much during my degree and my knowledge of biology has advanced massively

10/10

3. To what extent do you enjoy your programme?

I enjoy my program alot, most days it doesn't even feel like a job. Everyone is super friendly and theres always something interesting going on so if you're interested in biology, its definitely fun.

9/10

4. How well organised/structured is your programme?

The program is quite organised to an extent. When i first arrived i was shown around straight away and taught the basic techniques. However, learning has slowed down over the months.

7/10

5. How much support do you receive from your employer?

We receive lots of support, not only from our managers, but also the people who work around us as well as the university staff. If there is ever a concern you can always speak up about it. I have monthly catch ups with my bosses and my uni advisor too

8/10

6. How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?

My training provider catches up with me monthly via microsoft teams, she makes sure im up to date with everything and always helps me if im worried. If i ever have a question she replies within the same day to help me. However, the lecturers themselves rarely reply to emails

9/10

7. How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?

The qualification definitely connects with the job and vica versa. In this way it helps me understand what i'm doing by explaining why but also helps me understand the study guide by seeing it and using it in real life

8/10

8. Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)

There are countless numbers of clubs and social events to get involved in, especially as an apprentice, there are presentation clubs, meet the apprentice clubs and much more to help us improve in our roles.

10/10

9a. Would you recommend AstraZeneca to a friend?

Yes

9b. Why?

It is a very good job to have compared to so many others. The support is good, the pay is great, and its a fun place to work. It rarely even feels like a job.

10. What tips or advice would you give to others applying to AstraZeneca?

Definitely be confident. Be prepared to complete a presentation or two. Show what youre best at and talk about what you know best. And always come across as yourself :)