Senior Lab technician Review

I am a Senior Laboratory Technician, I review the testing that is carried out by the technicians. this can vary from reviewing water samples results and reporting the results to plant. reviewing Identification results from Out of specification samples and reporting to plant. reviewing autoclave cycles to release media and equipment for testing in the labs

I have learnt many skills at AstraZeneca , i have gained confidence I now feel comfortable to question and challenge colleagues when i come across problems or errors when reviewing. I am fully trained in my team and i am an experienced trainer, I train most new staff on the procedures in the labs.

I have loved every minute of working at AstraZeneca, I love the variation in the work that no day is the same. The microbiology team are like a family which is a lovely culture to work in. I am very grateful for the opportunities the programme has opened up for me.

The programme could be organised better, the communication between the training provider and AstraZeneca is not sufficient. My induction from the training provider was late which made me miss an exam slot, this has caused me to be behind on my studying from the get go. Only know 5 years later have I been compensated which an extra exam slot as the stress of catching up was to much. There could be more support provided its very hard to juggle a full time job and a degree it almost feels like the programme needs a middle man in between the training provider and the company. study days are provided once a week. I have never had a mentor during the programme. I feel as if there needs to be more support and communication between the two parts of the programme.

I have received a lot of support from my Employer whilst being on this course I have had 4 Mangers , 3 out of the 4 have been very understanding with my uni study's I have been given extra time to study at work due to learning difficulties. my employer gave me fixed uni days when I started to get stressed out by the lack of knowing when my uni days where, which has really helped me.

I have recieived support from student support but I had to be total stressed out and nearly in tears before this support was offered to me. I am very grateful for the help they given me to get through this course , The support should be offered as soon as you start the course. on the induction it should be made very clear where you can go if you are struggling and need help.

Honestly the Qualification has nothing to do with my role, I have learnt lots of new and interesting topics, but no of them are relevant to my role. I wish the qualification was more tailored to the roles we work in, but I understand that the degree covers a very wide range of topics.

there is a gym on site that you get a discounted membership to - i have never used the gym . i think there is a AZ choir and 5 a side football - but i haven't gone to either. I have been part of networking events mostly for apprentices , nation apprentice week and i have helped out of few times with the enrolment days for new and upcoming apprentices. when I am not at work I enjoy swimming.

Yes

As it a great oppertunity and a great way to get a qualifcation without going to uni

to be 100 % sure its what you want to do , dont think this is the easy option because it isnt, its hard work and if your willing to work hard it will pay off