Laboratory Scientist Degree Apprentice Review
at AstraZeneca
Degree Apprenticeship
Science
Macclesfield
Review Submitted: February 2022
Overall Rating
4.6 /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
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Skills Development
4.2/5
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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
I use different instruments to characterise drug material by Microscopy/ Morphology/ Electron Microscopy and X-Ray Diffraction/ Surface area analysis/ Particle distribution. I assess that the crystals grown in my experiments are the “right particle”. This includes looking for the correct form, purity, size and shape to fit the specification etc.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
5/5
I enjoy coming to work every day, I really like my job. All the people in my department and close team are so friendly and welcoming. There is a really strong workplace culture. My enjoyment exceeded my expectations.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
5/5
I learn new lab skills every day on my apprenticeship. I learn soft skills and regularly attend training sessions to keep on top of my general learning.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
3/5
My Education provider has room for improvement but always open to feedback and regularly make changes to fit our needs.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
5/5
I receive all the support I could ever need from my employer. I feel very comfortable asking for help whether work related or not.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
4/5
The training provider does try their best and always listen to feedback. Sometimes it can be hard to contact some of the tutors but others are easy to get hold of.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
4/5
There are many useful links between my degree and my job role. More specifically the vocational units as they provide learning specifically to fit an industry role and have found them very relatable. My area is pretty specialised so there is also a lot that doesn't cross over.
Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)
5/5
There are hundreds of social groups to join and even opportunities to make more. There is an on site gym and a "Culture connect" team that promote socialisation, fund raising and fun competitions to participate in.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend AstraZeneca to a friend?
Yes
Why?
The Job has really set a high bar for any other job I could get. I have not spoken to any of my friends who have a more positive experience than I do. AZ really do look after their employees well.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to AstraZeneca?
Be yourself, AZ is a very professional established company so it may seem intimidating at first but I was totally wrong. It is such a welcoming workplace and really friendly. They look for common friendly ground more than anything.
