IT Apprentice Review

I am currently working as part of Cyber Security. Involved in several activities such as cloud security posture management, acting as agile coach, coordinating cyber security governance forums as well as getting involved in architecture and engineering related tasks. There are many things to get involved within the business area and our line managers ensure we are always given meaningful work.

The best part about being an apprentice is that you have the opportunity to rotate into different business area throughout the apprenticeship scheme which helps you to understand what you like and do not like. Each rotation lasts around 8 months which is enough to gain high level understanding of the role and the business area. So far I have worked as a business analyst, tech innovation architect, associate project manager and associate cyber security architect.

I absolutely love it. For me it was a lifetime opportunity to kick start my career after taking some time off from work to raise my two young children. The company is very supportive of their apprentices and they ensure we are given time and support to succeed both at work and at university. I would highly recommend the apprenticeship scheme at AstraZeneca.

It has significantly improved in the past few years. We are assigned an early talent partner whom we have regular weekly catch ups with and we have buddies and mentors. We are also given a tutor from the university who monitors our progress and provide guidance. We are supported in many ways throughout our career.

Many employees are aware of the early talent scheme at AstraZeneca therefore they all try to ensure we get the best out of each rotation. In my current role, my manager ensures that the tasks are given are in line with my future career aspirations and he is always there to provide support when needed.

MMU has been great from day one. We have a tutor assigned to us who comes to our company to monitor our progress every few months. The support we were given was incredible during the Covid. Despite having many things to juggle this year, I still manage to keep up with most of the assignments.

We study Digital Technology and Solutions degree. For example, while we were learning about Technology/Project management I was able to secure a role as an associate project manager. I thought it really helped me to apply some of my learnings at work. It also gives us ideas around different rotation opportunities.

Yes we are supporting many charity events, events to promote early talent scheme. In my first year, we skydived to raise money for a charity. It was one of the best experience in my life. There are also many other work related social events within teams, new year parties etc (pre Covid)

Yes

I like the fact that they truly encourage diversity and we are all given equal opportunity to succeed within the apprenticeship scheme. The work culture is great, everyone is very friendly and supportive which to me is very important. Company also invests a lot in personal development. It is a great company to be an apprentice.

I would say just be your self. Make sure you do your research and understand the company values. As you are applying for apprenticeship they are more interested in your willingness to learn than how much you already know so if you are truly passionate about the area you are applying for that is all you need.