Technician Scientist Apprentice Review

Recently I have rotated to different team in the QC department. I am tow part of the product quality team (PQT) where we carry out a number of tests to ensure the medicines are safe to be given to people with critical illnesses. Some of these tests include endotoxin testing and testing for E.coli.

Since changing teams at the start of the year I have been able to develop new skills as well as transfer skills learnt in my old team. My transferable skills are plate reading and system use. I have also learnt how to swab in correctly and transfer and streak out broths so we can look for targeted growth.

I really like that, as an apprentice, I get to experience different teams. It helps to develop new skills and means that I am always learning. I get one day week to complete my studies with Kent University. So far, the content hasn't really been relevant to my job and can be hard to understand.

The employment side of my programme is structured very well as I know there are many people that can help if I need it, I am always learning new skills and there is good communication. With Kent it wasn't great at first as there was no structure and nothing was organised. As a group we complained to our managers who fed back to Kent and I have started to notice a difference.

At AstraZeneca I receive lots of support. There is a great network of people that always offer help and support. In my department I have seniors, coordinators and managers who are always there to help. There are also multiple apprentice contacts who are frequently checking in, asking for feedback and offering support.

Kent University so far has not been very good at supporting their apprentices. On multiple occasions I have messaged my module convenors to ask for support and guidance when struggling with an assignment and they either repeated the question back to me or just don't respond. The past couple of months I have noticed some improvements after a few of the apprentices complained.

So far only one of my modules has related to the department however, I have not had the chance to work in that team yet. The chemistry modules have had no relation to my role and I don't understand why we need chemistry for a biology course. My current course is about disease which does not link to my role closely but I do work with drugs to help some illnesses so there is a tenuous link.

At AstraZeneca we are very big on networking and there are events for everyone. There are sports teams such as football and netball; there are always teams calls for everyone lo learn about the company or even ones where you can meditate. As apprentices we often organise social events such as coffee mornings or going out.

Yes

Everyone is very friendly and always willing to lend a helping hand. People in senior positions and managers make themselves approachable so you feel comfortable talking to them about any issues. There are always opportunities for you to improve your skills and you are encouraged to take on new challenges.

When applying for AstraZeneca as an apprentice or not, make yourself familiar with their values. There are fire values that can be found on the website. They are incorporated into our work daily and referred back to often. Think of examples where you have followed these values so you can use them in your interview.