Manufacturing Technician Apprentice Review

Currently I am working as a Process Chemist. I set up and monitor chemical processes to create an ingredient that is used in the production of Zoladex. Day to day activities include setting up dissolutions, using ovens and freeze dryers, making crudes and cleaning equipment. I also participate in project work from my previous placement.

I've developed my social skills - particularly my ability to work with other people effectively to achieve an end goal. I have learnt multiple technical skills about how to run a packing line, how to fill in GMP documentation, how to maintain equipment and escalate issues. I've learnt how to lead a project, create project charters, gantt charts and project handovers. I have learnt how to create Power BI apps to use for data analysis. I have learnt how to use excel to a higher level.

I thoroughly enjoy my programme as it has allowed me to learn so much about not only the company, but all the different processes that take place when it comes to producing a pharmaceutical product. This programme has taught me how to adjust to a workplace where technical detail and being right first time is of paramount importance. I enjoy the challenging aspect of the work I do here.

My programme could be better organised. There is no strict structure to the way in which the placements are carried out. This leads to multiple apprentices who have completed the same course leaving with different levels of validations/qualifications due to the nature of where they have worked. This lack of structure definitely affected me earlier in the programme as I felt somewhat forgotten but over the past 5 months it has been a much better experience as I have had more influence over my placements and when they take place/where they are.

I receive an adequate amount of support from my employer. If I required more support then I know that those needs would be met as I am aware of examples where people have received the support they needed in difficult situations. I feel as though if I needed the help then it would be easy to ask for it in this environment.

I receive an inadequate amount of support from my training provider. Over the 2 years the level of support that the college offers has dramatically deteriorated due to the lack of staff. Attitude of the staff has also been affected over the time period and there have often been times where the staff have negatively impacted my experience at college.

I do not feel as though there is a sufficient amount of relevance between the qualification and the nature of the work I am doing at AstraZeneca. Whilst I can understand that the qualification might be of benefit to someone who was a maintenance technician or manufacturing technician, I don't think that the role title of the apprenticeship is accurate at all. Whilst I have been working within a manufacturing environment, my work has had little to do with the maintenance of machinery or technical aspects of engineering. I believe the title of the apprenticeship should be changed and also perhaps the college course that goes with it as they do not coalign. The other solution would be to have the placements that the apprentice does be with the engineering or maintenance teams. In this scenario, the college course would have relevance.

There are multiple extra-curricular activities that are available to me at work. Social events are a common one between teams. There are always talks from a representative about new ideas or themes that happen on a regular basis. Sports events also take place amongst teams such as the 5-a-side football league.

Yes

I have thoroughly enjoyed working here and I think the apprenticeship is a brilliant alternative to University at a young age. It offers a very good insight into how a company operates on a scale as large as AstraZenca's as well as giving you plenty of points of interest to learn about. The working environment has been extremely positive for myself and I feel like it is easy to get along with people here.

Make sure you apply yourself as best as you can and demonstrate what you offer/are capable of. I would recommend that you are enthusiastic about the nature of what the company does and have a strong liking of science as well as technological advancements. Be friendly and honest during your application process and show a good willingness to learn.