Science technician apprentice Review

Attend project meetings that im involved in and present data. Carry out assays for said projects to help make decisions on which molecule would be the best lead. Attend other meetings within the department to see what work others are doing. Attend team meeting and catch ups to discuss the workload.

i have learnt presentation skills where i have presented to project teams as well as to the department and wider team. i have learnt a lot of different lab skills including different assays, using lab robots and many different softwares. ive also gained project management experience for the company based project that is a part of the apprenticeship.

its an opportunity that i didnt know existed. its put me in a sector where i can learn a lot from the people around me and feel very involved in the science. it also gives an opportunity to develop in ways i couldnt have done if i wasnt with this company and in this sector

it has a set structure. uni work is done part time and i spend most of my time at work. in terms of the programme within the company i think the structure can definitely be improved.

my manager is really supportive in what i need and is very receptive to ideas i have and the things i need as an apprentice. shes takes on any thing i tell her i need and ensures i have the support i need. in terms of the apprenticeship programme team within the company that hires and supports apprentices i think theres a lot more improvement that can be made. i barely see anyone from this team and im not sure if any of them could identify me as there is very limited interaction with them unless something is needed. there was a past member in this team that took the time out to get to know the apprentices and had regular check ins and catch ups to ensure we got what we needed, but since this member has left the support isnt quite the same.

its normally pretty good. my apprenticeship advisor is always available and is good at responding really quickly when i have questions. the module convenors are also available when help is needed, however, certain convenors have taken more than a week to reply sometimes, which isnt helpful when deadlines need to be met.

most of the information ive learnt doesnt seem to very relevant but the last couple modules seem to very relevant and have definitely helped me understand the science that goes on in my department a lot better.

yes there are many apprentice social groups available and activities are always being planned

Yes

it gave me opportunities that im so grateful for and wouldnt have been able to pursue this career without going to university. Astrazeneca is very big company with loads of brilliant people that have so much knowledge and expertise. it also means that there are a lot of learning opportunities and pretty good work benefits

Theres no harm in applying, even if youre unsure which route you want to go down yet. Learn more about the role and what daily activities look like and then decide if this is for you.