HR Talent Acquisition Apprenticeship Review
at AstraZeneca
Higher Level Apprenticeship
Business Operations
Cambridge
Review Submitted: April 2021
Overall Rating
3.9 /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!
4/5
-
Overview of Role
4/5
-
Skills Development
3.6/5
-
Structure and Support
Overview of Role
Please give an overview of your role and what this involves on a day-to-day basis:
4/5
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
4/5
I massively enjoy the apprenticeship programme and I could not recommend it enough to any school leavers that are considering doing an HR apprenticeship after completing their A-Levels.
I work in different rotations that are up to 3-months long. This ensures that I have many opportunities to collaborate with different teams on exciting projects; understand & apply the HR standards and processes that they follow. Though the teams are different, they all demonstrate AstraZeneca's values and are open to new ideas. Because of this, I've always felt comfortable speaking up and sharing my ideas.
Alongside this, I am working towards gaining a CIPD level 5 qualification in Human Resources Management. My line manager and rotation managers have been very accommodating of this. This has meant that I have been able to further increase my HR skills, knowledge, and behaviours outside of work.
I work in different rotations that are up to 3-months long. This ensures that I have many opportunities to collaborate with different teams on exciting projects; understand & apply the HR standards and processes that they follow. Though the teams are different, they all demonstrate AstraZeneca's values and are open to new ideas. Because of this, I've always felt comfortable speaking up and sharing my ideas.
Alongside this, I am working towards gaining a CIPD level 5 qualification in Human Resources Management. My line manager and rotation managers have been very accommodating of this. This has meant that I have been able to further increase my HR skills, knowledge, and behaviours outside of work.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
4/5
I have developed several new and existing skills. I have improved my communication skills through speaking and working with different colleagues inside the Talent Acquisition function and wider HR functions. In addition, I have developed interview skills and learned the importance of continuously creating an effective and structured interview so that interviewees have a positive experience.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
4/5
My apprenticeship programme is very well structured.
My line manager has always made effort to check in with me and let me know what my rotation schedule is (as well as asking how I am getting on). In addition, my rotation managers are very accommodating and allow me to spend a day in the week to complete my online study for my CIPD qualification.
My line manager has always made effort to check in with me and let me know what my rotation schedule is (as well as asking how I am getting on). In addition, my rotation managers are very accommodating and allow me to spend a day in the week to complete my online study for my CIPD qualification.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
4/5
I have regular check-in meetings with my line manager, rotation manager, buddy, and mentor. They have always make time for me and have always given me great advice & resources to support me.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
3/5
I have a personal tutor from Babington provider, who always takes the time to help me with my studies. However, I do not have many opportunities to meet with my assessment tutor. As my assessment tutor is mainly marking my work, it is important that I can also communicate with them and receive support from them.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
3/5
My training provider helps me to understand what it means to be an effective HR professional in terms of applying HR skills, knowledge, and behaviours into the workplace.
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
At AstraZeneca, there are several Employee Resource Groups (ERGs). These groups regularly send me calendar invites to attend any career events, social activities, etc. When I get a chance, I will attend these and they are a great way for me to learn something new and connect with employees outside of Talent Acquisition.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend AstraZeneca to a friend?
Yes
Why?
AstraZeneca is a fantastic company to work for. The employees are inclusive, diverse, and high-performing. They also believe in AstraZeneca's values and strategic priorities.
If you want to work with a company where you will have many opportunities to network and develop personally & professionally, then it is well worth exploring the job opportunities available at AstraZeneca.
If you want to work with a company where you will have many opportunities to network and develop personally & professionally, then it is well worth exploring the job opportunities available at AstraZeneca.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to AstraZeneca?
- Be yourself
- Understand your strongest skills and how they are applicable to the job you are applying for
- Update your CV and cover letter
- Make sure to research the company, so that you are able to explain why you want to work for the company in your application
- Understand your strongest skills and how they are applicable to the job you are applying for
- Update your CV and cover letter
- Make sure to research the company, so that you are able to explain why you want to work for the company in your application
