Cloud Engineer Review

by AstraZeneca

Best Apprenticeship Employer

Rating

9/10

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

I am currently in a new role as a Cloud Engineer with Cloud Platform Engineering. Day to day I have been doing some training to get me prepared with the skills I need to take part in the projects. I am also in team meetings to understand the projects better for when I have a role in them.

7/10

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

I am currently learning new cloud skills to be able to use AWS. I am currently preparing for my AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner Exam as I would like to have the certificate as proof of my qualification. I am also developing my confidence by talking to my team and understanding what their roles are.

9/10

3. To what extent do you enjoy your programme?

I really enjoy the programme. The ability to change roles every 8 months allows me insight into different parts of IT and the business to give me a more well rounded understanding of how the company works and how IT and all the different parts of it fits in. It also helps with choosing my future career as I can see what I do and don't like.

9/10

4. How well organised/structured is your programme?

The structure is quite good. Every 8 months when we rotate we are given time during our current roles to talk to other teams and see if there are a team you'd like to join. The Off the Job learning in university is also important. Being able to take one day a week to focus on this is also helpful and teams are very understanding about this.

8/10

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

I get a lot of support from a number of people. I have a buddy who is in a degree apprentice in the year above and a mentor. I have weekly chats with these people about anything I would like to talk about. I also have weekly chats with my manager and multiple university contact points.

10/10

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

We are able to take one day a week to focus on university work which is helpful and the teams are very understanding about this. Having that specific day allows us to keep a balance between university and work. Teams are also very helpful and understanding for any questions about university work too.

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 able to link what I learn in university with my role as the university coursework will always relate back to your role or the company as a whole. This way not only am I learning more about the company, but also more about how to use my university skills in the workplace.

9/10

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.)

There are many networking and social events happening all the time. All the apprentices get together for coffee mornings monthly just to network and there are also games and quizzes you can participate in. You also get invites to social activities outside of work which is a great networking opportunity too.

10/10

9a. Would you recommend AstraZeneca to a friend?

Yes

9b. Why?

The culture makes AstraZeneca a great place to work. People are always friendly and encourage you to ask as many questions as you can for your own development as well as theirs. Coming into office, the atmosphere is always so lively allows you to network and make new contacts within the company.

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

It is important to be yourself. AstraZeneca is a company where knowledge isn't the only thing that is valued. They value the social aspects and personality too. By showing off your interests and things that make you different or interesting in interviews people will understand you better. It is also important to be friendly