Technician Scientist Apprentice Review

I am in the oncology R&D department as a technician scientist apprentice. 80% of my time is spent on site and working with a team of scientists in oncology. Most of my day is spent in the laboratory. My role can vary from tissue culture, compound formulation or in vivo research.

I have learnt many new skills. Mainly skills specific skills to the role such as tissue culture, compound formulating or in vivo procedures. But I've also learnt transferrable skills such as use of excel, how to plot and analyse graphs, many statistical tests, how to do presentations, how to plan and organise projects.

I thoroughly enjoy my programme. I have developed many new skills which will help me to become a desirable employee, I have learnt to work as an individual and also as part of a team. I have been put into a project team that works towards improving the lives of real cancer patients. It is a thoroughly enjoyable and rewarding programme.

My work structure is incredibly well organised. My manager and mentor regularly sit down with me to look at my schedule and put together a schedule for me to use. It is good that I have this, as it enables me to have many opportunities as an employee, but also gives me that flexibility that I need as a student as well.

A lot. I get a lot of support from AstraZeneca for both sides of my apprenticeship. Anything I need to help me as an employee is given to me, but also they want me to succeed as a university student, and so they are always incredibly reasonable and understanding when I need time to focus on my studies.

Mixed. For a while I struggled a lot to get any contact or support from Kent. I often had to get my employer to raise concerns on my behalf to get any response. After a year or so the issue was resolved and I was provided the Apprenticeship Advisor contact, and now she provides me a lot of support which has helped so much.

My modules are aimed to be relatable to my job role. Often the questions in my coursework ask me to relate my answers to my role. This is beneficial as it helps me think about the theory behind some of my roles, but can often be difficult when it is relatable at all. In my quarterly reviews, I am challenged to relate my job to my current module.

A lot. There is almost an event a week where I can join in. This could be an apprentice only event organised by other apprentices, or it could be a team social event. Now COVID lockdowns are over there have been talks of some weekly sports such as football and badminton. There have also been a few professional networking events, including team, company and external events.

Yes

The company treat their apprentices (and all employees) very well. Managers are almost all incredibly supportive, there are amazing benefits you receive, you are seen as a person and listened to. All my colleagues are tight-knit and help eachother when needed. I feel listened to all the time. Couldn't recommend AstraZeneca more!

There are 5 values we have as a company. Every decision that is made, all 5 values are considered and used to direct the decision. Always make the ethical decision and treat each other how you would like to be treated. Also being a good person will take you far.