Process Engineer Review
at AstraZeneca
Higher Level Apprenticeship
Engineering
Liverpool
Review Submitted: May 2022
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!
4/5
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Overview of Role
4/5
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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:
4/5
I'm a process engineer in AZ, working predominantly with the calibration team. I am responsible for completing investigations into calibration failures, problem solving, implementing continuous improvements and CAPAs. I also work with the wider engineering function to facilitate quality decisions, audit preparation and investigations. Daily I also ensure calibrations are scheduled and completed as required.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
4/5
I ma really enjoying my programme. AZ have enabled a career change for me after so long with the company. Good to have the opportunity to be a mature student, and have access to an apprenticeship in my mid-30s. AZ have given me the time to do my studies alongside my day job, very supportive.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
4/5
Previously I worked in the site's QC microbiology department (10 years), I have been with engineering department for three years now and I am learning and progressing every day in this new role. The skills I brought with me to the team are constantly developing as I adapt them to fit this role.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
4/5
My manager has allowed me to structure my day to suit my studies which ensures I have time for CPD and coursework as I need it, the course itself is structured very well at Coventry University with only a couple of days per month at campus and the rest distanced learning.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
4/5
There is a lot of support from the employer. The AZ apprenticeship team are available always and work well with the apprentices, keeping them up to date with events and giving resources. My local management and training partners are also always available and approachable. They have met with my course tutor on several occasions to discuss progress too.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
4/5
Coventry have been good and really organised. Many emails communications to both my work email and my Coventry email, the university computerised systems and apps are a good source of information and provide a chat forum for us all to talk and help each other. Lecturers have been responsive to emails and willing to stay after lectures to catch up if I needed anything.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
4/5
At this stage in the course, I am only learning the basics but have found that it has already started to help me considered the business and processes at lot more. I'm thinking wider and not just about my role. The course is delivered to those who use dimensional metrology, which is the only measurement I dont take at AZ however the course lecturers take time to help me translate the information to my strengths and give me extra time to help me apply it to AZ.
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
AZ is very good with the extra curricular activities. Mental health and well being is at the forefront of being a great place to work. There are quizzes, social events, sporting events, volunteering activities etc always on offer plus there is the opportunity to be involved with initiates like the big bang which allows us to promote STEM in the communities.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend AstraZeneca to a friend?
Yes
Why?
It's a great place to work, good wage, good benefits, lots of opportunities for CPD or progression if you want it. I've been with the company for 13 years now with no thoughts of leaving, after this time the company have been able to keep me engaged day to day and then provided me with opportunities to do an apprenticeship/degree to expand my knowledge and allow me to move departments internally.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to AstraZeneca?
Do it. It's a huge company with jobs available that would suit most skillsets and career aspirations, the opportunities for CPD are there too so is a great company if you want to climb/progress year on year but there's also roles for those that like to stay at a certain level.
