Apprentice microbiologist Review

Item: Apprentice microbiologist at AstraZeneca
Rating: 4.5
Author: Anonymous

at AstraZeneca

Higher Level Apprenticeship

Science

Macclesfield

Review Submitted: February 2021

Overall Rating

4.5 /5

The Overall Rating is the average of all the ratings given in each category. We take those individual ratings and combine them into one final score!

5/5 - Overview of Role

5/5 - Skills Development

4/5 - Structure and Support

Overview of Role

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

5/5

No two days are the same but I work in the process assurance team within quality control working with environmental monitoring to ensure sterility of a specific drug.

To what extent do you enjoy your programme?

5/5

I thoroughly enjoy my programme, I have built great relationships with my co workers and I am happy to be learning new skills and laboratory techniques all the time.

Skills Development

Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?

5/5

I have learnt a great range of new skills and developed massively during my time as an apprentice. I have developed massively professionally and AstraZeneca has helped me to become a confident apprentice.
Skills include improvement to schedule and time management and in team work and communication.
Academically I have noticed great improvements in myself both due to my degree and on the job training.

Structure and Support

How well organised/structured is your programme?

4/5

Very well organised on my employers side however sometimes communications with the training provider can be slow and unclear.
My employer have provided me with a mentor and there is a very clear support system in place.
There is a clear organisation chart in place but you feel confident dealing with people from across many levels of the business.

How much support do you receive from your employer?

5/5

Brilliant support from my employer.
Monthly 1:1 with my team manager this is a good opportunity for any questions i may have. My manager is aware of when my exams are and is always happy to support me by giving me additional time to revise or academic support.
Managers are all aware of the importance of the studying and that this is a priority as well as the routine work.

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

3/5

Distance learning, often replies are slow and any admin takes a long time.
Tutors themselves are lovely and give good/appropriate feedback on assignments.

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

4/5

Yes it definitely does especially the microbiology modules as i work in the microbiology department.

Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)

4/5

yes many events and such are put on. The last year due to covid-19 has been very different but in a normal year many events are held including the family fun day which is a day where local families are invited on to site to see the science we are working on.