QC Technical Officer Review

My job can be split into two main roles. The first being performing method suitability and method validation studies on products that are in our pipeline. these studies are designed to identify a suitable microbiological method to test the products so if nay microbial contamination was present our method would be able to detect it. The second part of my job is taking care of equipment used in the labs so arranging its maintenance and upgrades by the suppliers, while also ensuring all users of the equipment are suitably trained.

I believe my skill set has developed massively since starting my apprenticeship. It has given me the ability to run high impact projects on my own without this feeling scary or overwhelming. My laboratory skill set has also massively increased i am capable of designing and performing a large number of different laboratory techniques/studies, including sterility testing, bioburden testing, challenge studies and mould challenge studies.

I love my apprenticeship, I am extremely confident that it was the right thing for me. I like that I can continue to further my education while gaining invaluable industry experience. My apprenticeship has supported me in securing a permanent position within my company. I like that no two days are the same, there is always a new challenge to face.

Very well, my employer supports me taking 1 full day a week to complete my university studies and the other 4 days of the week i complete my job role. My employer is supportive around my university exams and allows me to be flexible with the day of the week i take my university day and if i need extra time to complete an examination. It is clear what content/work i need to work through each week.

My employer is incredibly supportive, they allow me to be flexible with when I take my university day, they trust me to commit the correct hours to my degree and also the correct hours to my job. They supply with all the materials I need i.e a suitable project to write my dissertation on and are there if i needed some internal support from an academic point of view.

My training provider is supportive. My apprenticeship advisor is very helpful and always willing to help. She replies to my emails in good time and makes you feel like no question is stupid. She checks in on a 3 monthly basis but is there in between should I need any further support.

My qualification has given me the baseline of knowledge that i need to perform my job and then my workplace training further develops this already existing knowledge. Certain modules of my degree are more applicable to my job role then others such as the Advanced Microbiology module which taught me a lot of new microbiology content. However the chemistry modules although interesting aren't as applicable.

The onsite gym is often quite a sociable place. There are football courts for employers to pull a team together and hire the court. We have an internal apprenticeship committee which organise networking and socializing events regularly. The apprenticeship scheme in my work place moves the apprentices around a number of teams in the first couple of years of the programme this was a great way to meet lots of new people.

Yes

AstraZeneca is a vibrant, inclusive and academic place to work. I genuinely agree with the companies ethos and values. The employees of AstraZeneca are lovely and collaborative and i believe this is due to the values the company instills in every member of the work force. Managers and mentors want you to do well within the business so support you in accessing the things you require to increase tour knowledge and experience.

Do it! I started almost 5 years a go and haven't looked back. To have a job that doesn't feel like a chore to come into work and do is such a lucky and enjoyable position to be in and in my experience this is what you get with AstraZeneca.