Quality Control Laboratory Technician Review

I perform quality control testing on pharmaceutical products manufactured at the Macclesfield site. I use various analytical techniques to do this, working to GMP. I am a trainer and so often work with other people to share my experience. I have worked with people from across the company in different departments or on different sites to share knowledge, work on projects, and conduct problem solving.

I have learnt many new skills over the course of my role at AstraZeneca; my current course is two years, following a three year FdSc apprenticeship. I have learnt many analytical techniques, how to use various types of quality control software, and multiple business improvement techniques as part of LEAN.

I enjoy the job, as I find it challenging enough without being stressful too often. The team that I work with is brilliant, and I get on well with them. I find the degree side of the programme to be very intense, and would not say that I enjoy that; but I do think that it's worth doing.

I find that the degree side of the programme is not organised well with respect to the nature of the job. AstraZeneca is supportive and gives good opportunities, but it often feels like MMU organises the course based on full time students rather than distance learners, which can make the content more overwhelming than necessary. The job itself is well organised.

I find my employer very supportive, especially with the degree. I have never had a problem receiving the correct amount of off the job time for the apprenticeship, and have occasionally been offered extra time around high stress periods such as exams. All my managers have been supportive of this, and I have always felt that I can approach them for further support.

Most of the tutors and lecturers are very supportive. Most reply to emails helpfully and promptly, although not all. There are also many programmes available for different types of support. However, as a whole, I find the university unsupportive of some aspects of distance learning, such as there being a lack of flexibility in the course, or there being some opportunities only available on campus.

In my current role I find that the degree offers my some insight into the science behind the analytical techniques that I use, and does occasionally help me with problem solving. In the majority, however, I find it to be irrelevant. I think it will be of greater use going forward in my career.

There are many extra curricular activities available both for apprentices in particular and in general. There is a gym on site which can be accessed with a membership fee and has various classes, but there are also many free events (sporting and non-sporting). There are volunteering opportunities and some events organised by apprentices.

Yes

The benefits of working for the company are numerous, I like the company and the people, and I enjoy my job. I think that it is a good place to work, with lots of opportunities to switch roles if that is what works for you. I have learnt a lot working here and plan to carry on doing so.

It is a values and behaviours focused company, so consider what values you can demonstrate in an interview as well as what skills you have. If you're applying for an apprenticeship you will be starting at the same time as others doing the same course - try to use the induction as an opportunity to find some friendly ones so that you can go through the degree together; it will be much easier and much more fun if you have a friend in the same boat.