Material Coordinator Review

As a Material Coordinator I work on a day-to-day in production, this involves working with multiple teams and support functions to ensure production have the required material and documentation to run. Along with this we ensure material is managed daily and progressed as and when required to meet production demands.

Since my time as an apprentice and especially within the Material Coordinator team I have developed communication skills through attending meetings with different departments. I have developed organisation skills though cross-functional working and workloads. I have gained the skills of analytical thinking not only in work dealing with issues and issue resolutions but also through the University course.

I thoroughly enjoy the programme I am able to undergo under AstraZeneca. I knew when I was studying at College that solely going to University wasn't best suit for me, from this I research Apprenticeships and found AstraZeneca's course. The opportunity to study whilst gaining vital work experience was something I have really enjoyed and still am. The first half of my Apprenticeship allowed me to work in different areas and understand Supply Chain through different areas of the business.

The programme allows me to spend 20% of my time working solely on University work. This can be anything from attending module teaching days, research/writing assignment or shadowing different departments. The education providers present modules which are well structured and clear to understand and we are able to ask questions where needed to support our learning.

20% of my time at work is University work, therefore for myself I have a University day every Wednesday which I spend how I feel best. I know I am able to ask questions where needed and ask for support if I was struggling. I have found that everybody I have spoke to for support whether that be my manager or a different area of the business everybody is more than happy to offer advice/support.

The training provider for the course I am studying is extremely helpful and this can be evidenced through regular meetings between tutor, student and manager to discuss induvial progress, any issues and the overall course progression. Another support function the training providers provide is detailed courses and presentations, along with access to the University Library to research course material. Feedback is given on assignments and we are able to ask questions to the tutors if required and we will receive feedback/support.

The course I study is Supply Chain, therefore through this course I have studied Supply chain from start to finish and everything in-between. This is has hugely improved my knowledge of the company's supply chain and the key factors within. In terms of performing in my role, I have a greater understanding of supply chain which is something that would have taken years of networking and work experience to gain without the course. I am able to understand the inner workings and the importance of my area of work more so because of the education provided.

There are multiple extra-curricular activities in work, ranging from lunch meet ups to celebrate achievements in areas of the business and I am aware of sports teams within the company. Another key activity which can be undergone is volunteer days and this can be completed as a team or individually.

Yes

I thoroughly enjoy working for AstraZeneca and am very grateful for the opportunity to be able to study to gain a degree along with earn a salary at the same time. In my opinion the culture at AstraZeneca is very friendly and due to the work we do I feel proud to work for AstraZeneca.

As Apprenticeship have become ever more popular and AstraZeneca provide a range of Apprenticeships my advice would be the following: - Research the company and the apprenticeship you are applying for. - Check to see if you can apply for more than one apprenticeship (if you are interested in more than one). - Be yourself