Technician Scientist Apprentice Review
at AstraZeneca
Higher Level Apprenticeship
Science
Cambridge
Review Submitted: February 2022
Overall Rating
3.3 /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!
3/5
-
Overview of Role
4/5
-
Skills Development
2.8/5
-
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
Study monitor for in vivo studies which involves animal husbandry, licensed and non-licensed procedures. Occasionally write protocols for in vivo studies. Join team meetings, ordinarily also run in vitro studies (changed due to COVID-19).
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
2/5
Enjoy working with the animals, however, the team I am a part of do not always make me feel welcomed or that I am really a member of the team. Some Team Leads lack people skills and can be intimidating.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
4/5
Hands-on in vivo skills, laboratory skills, working in a team and being a team player, how to be organised.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
2/5
Regular meetings with line manager, training is sufficient but feels that what was wanted of me was not planned out well and sometimes feels like it has been forgotten that I am still learning and not a full-time employee
How much support do you receive from your employer?
3/5
Line manager is supportive and does what she can to help/guide me. Was supposed to have a mentor from 1st year but only now given a mentor in my 3rd year.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
4/5
Lecturers help where they can and answer questions, apprentice advisor replies quickly and provides help where she can.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
2/5
Not necessarily relevant to my role, only very few examples in study guides that I can relate to my job role. Can occasionally apply the theoretical knowledge to my day-to-day job.
Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)
3/5
Occasional team lunch, social team organises ad-hoc 'games' and is organising for events to raise money for chosen charities.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend AstraZeneca to a friend?
Yes
Why?
9a is actually both yes and no, the work is rewarding and can be fun but depending on the team you are in, the people and management are not easy to work with and I personally can feel excluded from my team.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to AstraZeneca?
Ask what the role will include in your day-to-day, ask about the training provider and course to be able to research it if possible. Be yourself and be honest in interviews.
