Laboratory Scientist Review

by AstraZeneca

Best Apprenticeship Employer

Rating

9.6/10

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

I work in the Biopharmaceutical team. I purify substances using different types of chromatography. My apprenticeship is rotational within my team. Last year I worked in early research and this year I am working in large scale.

9/10

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

Learnt many new lab skills. Trained on how to use all the machinery in the lab and how to pipette accuratly.

9/10

3. To what extent do you enjoy your programme?

My employer is very understanding towards my uni schedule- when I have exams I am allowed to take some study leave time in order to revise. Everyone in my team is very supportive.

9/10

4. How well organised/structured is your programme?

Very well organised. The university work is very clear- each week I get set new work to complete and the layout of the uni course is very clear with when exams are and how you are assessed.

10/10

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

Lots of support.

10/10

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

Manchester Metropolitan University is very supportive, my tutors are very responsive if you ask them questions on email and they are understanding if you fall behind for various reasons.

10/10

7. How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?

My training provider allows me to better understand the importance of my role and how I can progress in the workplace.

10/10

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 is a designated social team at work that organise apprentice social events. There are also apprentice netball and football clubs.

10/10

9a. Would you recommend AstraZeneca to a friend?

Yes

9b. Why?

Great company to work for, lots of great benefits and areas to explore within the company.

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

Apprenticeships are all about learning a new skill- don't worry if you don't have any lab experience currently, just think about the other skills you have that make a good employee such as communication, teamwork.