Planning & Control Lead Review

by AstraZeneca

Best Apprenticeship Employer

Rating

9.9/10

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

Project planning, forecasting and reporting. Monitoring budgets, providing training, delivering improvement projects.

10/10

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

I am working towards my Greenbelt in Lean Six Sigma, Continuous Improvement and Problem Solving. Learning how to apply lean tools and principles to support my team, department, function and the wider business.

10/10

3. To what extent do you enjoy your programme?

There is a lot of admin involved but I've very much enjoyed meeting (virtually) and learning with individuals from other non-pharma organisations.

9/10

4. How well organised/structured is your programme?

Extremely well organised. A good introduction, setting expectations, including my own Line Manager. Always fully supported by both AZ and training organisation.

10/10

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

I'd give this 11 out of 10 if I could! Everyone at AZ from my Line Manager, Project Sponsor and even my own team have been so supportive of my apprenticeship work. Everyone is willing me to succeed and it's massively appreciated and of course really helpful.

10/10

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

Tutor is extremely knowledgeable, helpful, supportive yet understands I also have a demanding day job. I always enjoy our interactions and find them beneficial in helping to move my project forwards.

10/10

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

I am studying Lean Six Sigma principles and tools which I have already applied to my day job. I am working on other improvement projects, also using and applying my learning.

10/10

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.)

Yes but not in the midst of a global pandemic!

10/10

9a. Would you recommend AstraZeneca to a friend?

Yes

9b. Why?

You will be supported, encouraged to develop, celebrated when you succeed and helped when difficulties encountered, both professionally and personally. You will have so many opportunities to explore other areas of the business too. We have core values and behaviours that everyone believes in. It really is a great place to work. (Don't be influenced by the monthly salary I quoted - I thought this was too personal so gave a false figure!)

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

Don't think you have to conform to a standard, just be yourself, bring energy, enthusiasm and curiosity and you won't go wrong.