Apprentice Laboratory Scientist Review

by AstraZeneca

Best Apprenticeship Employer

Rating

9/10

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

I work within PT&D (Pharmaceutical Technology and Development) and more specifically, within the Release and Stability Team. My role is to conduct analytical techniques across a broad range of our drugs for stability checks and prior to them being released into clinical trials.

9/10

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

The company has enabled me to significantly develop my analytical skills from my previous analytical scientist career as I am conducting a broader range of analytical techniques. Additionally, I have enhanced my confidence with working in the lab alongside the health and safety aspects of this.

10/10

3. To what extent do you enjoy your programme?

I thoroughly enjoy my programme, despite the extensive work requirements from both university and the workplace. I can see the path that I am heading for in my future which is an exciting feeling. I'm now looking forward to work being even better after lockdown.

8/10

4. How well organised/structured is your programme?

As mentioned in my previous answer, I can see the path that I am heading for in my future due to the well-structured programme. Each year is a new stage, working elsewhere within the company allowing me to develop my knowledge in multiple areas. It is very well organised.

9/10

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

I believe that AstraZeneca is a great company to work for in terms of receiving support from our team managers and further up. I truly feel that I can open up when I am struggling with my workload and I will always receive the right support.

10/10

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

My training provider has been generally great when supporting my development towards my qualification. I haven't really had to ask for extra support due to the detailed materials provided, however, when I have, they have been quick to respond. Overall, a really helpful and supportive training provider.

9/10

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

I believe my qualification is really helping me to understand the practical side of what I complete at work as the university work has provided a base understanding of the chemistry that I use day to day.

9/10

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.)

It actually came to a surprise to me when I first started at AstraZeneca at the vast number of social activities going on (online), given the pandemic. This has been helpful for me to make some friends, despite not being able to meet them face to face.

8/10

9a. Would you recommend AstraZeneca to a friend?

Yes

9b. Why?

Having already gone through another apprenticeship with a different company, I can really appreciate the effort that they put into each individual apprentice and the amount of work that goes into making our experience as good as possible. I believe that an apprenticeship route is more beneficial than university alone.

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

I would ensure that they are prepared for the intensity of the work and studying if doing an apprenticeship. I would also advise that they get their name out there and start to broaden their links within the company, both to develop relationships and for opportunities.