Supply Chain Apprentice Review

My role comprises of managing clinical studies, the management of temperature deviations during clinical shipments as well as ongoing work based projects. As I am now in my final year, I am working on process development so there is plenty of opportunity for growth and skill development. 20% of my workload is dedicated to completing my university assignments ensuring at the end of apprenticeship I will have received four years of work-based training and a degree.

During my time in the apprenticeship, lots of new and previous skills were developed. I have improved my levels and methods of communication by working with teams in different roles contributing to a project. I have also improved on the discussion of confidential department-only data. I have learnt how to manage my workload a lot better and ensure I keep a good work-life/personal life balance

I have thoroughly enjoyed my time on the programme so far and have been every opportunity to develop my career. I enjoy that you are given personal goals to drive towards and are given opportunities to exceed these to accelerate your personal development. The training partner provides support to help meet the assignments and ensure you get the grade of your ability. They also have facilities if you wish to develop your skills in order to achieve the higher grades.

My programme has been well structured to provide me with an extensive training regime that is reviewed on a quarterly basis to ensure I am meeting current expectations and also to kick off the conversation with certain teams to start new projects. Personally, I think the programme is also well structured with the university modules and allows me to discuss the ways of working within my organisation within a module assignment. There could be better support for education.

The support I receive on a continual basis from my line manager, as well as other members of the team, well exceeded my expectation when I first joined 3 years ago. I can have a severe and informal conversation at any point to discuss an idea or find a new way of completing a process. This encourages a different way of thinking which can be used to develop a new technique or an idea for a university module.

I have detailed modules which were done face-to-face and virtually over multiple days. The tutors provide great detailed knowledge about supply chain logistics and models. There are module tutors who train you in essay and report writing in order to achieve higher grades. The tutors are accessible via email and will respond to any queries and provide feedback as long as emails are sent in a timely manner. Some of the teaching methods can be quite confusing and getting support can add delays.

The knowledge provided by the training provider has increased the quantity of responsibility, I have taken on within my team. I am able to understand assignments and can work independently better. I am also able to train new members of the team and can take the lead on new and ongoing projects whilst delegating tasks to subordinates. At the end of the program, I hope to take the lead on more projects and use the learnings from the qualification to support.

I play football with work colleagues, on multiple occasions throughout the week. There are also socials planned by the older apprentices which are accessible to anyone who wishes to take part. There is also a social society to better ingrate new starters. This encourages social skills and networking. Having this available to me, made it much easier to make friends moving across the country for this apprenticeship.

Yes

AstraZeneca is the first large global organisation, I have been a part of and they have treated me respectfully. there is a very friendly culture embedded into the business which can be seen from the first day. I currently and will continue to recommend AstraZeneca to friends and family for roles since the company have many opportunities within different areas of the business. I have been fortunate to move into a full time position now.

Take an interest in the company and the role you have applied for! Do background research and decide why AstraZeneca is the company for you. Take the interviews and any part of the application as a learning experience to develop your personal skills and this for me as well as other apprentices was one of the earlier opportunities to gain standard workplace experiences and opportunities. Be prepared to take a holistic approach to achieve AstraZeneca's goal of treating patients.