Process Control Engineer Review
at AstraZeneca
Degree Apprenticeship
Science
Macclesfield
Review Submitted: May 2022
Overall Rating
4.4 /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
My job role is Process Control Engineer (PCE) with focus on business as usual (BAU) tasks in the Pharmaceutical Production plant (PPB) and Special Tablets Facility (STF). Whilst BAU is my main focus, I also get involved in small projects within PPB and STF.
My daily tasks include but is not limited to: systems based breakdown rectification (physical presence on line and remote working), root cause analysis of systems breakdowns, system maintenance (system back-ups), administrative functions (user access), system recipe creation and testing.
I also get involved in medium to low impact projects on both PPB and STF due to the high volume of project work assigned to the PCE team. Projects include; machine upgrades (with qualification and validation activities), machine decommissioning (systems), document audits and improvements to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
I have a high level of interaction both internal and external to AstraZeneca. Due to the role serving BAU, I am one of the main points of contact for system queries in PPB and STF. I must ensure issues are resolved effectively and efficiently, minimising asset downtime or ensuring projects stay on schedule.
There are many service level agreements set in place with external manufacture whom have machines installed in our facilities. I contact companies directly for information and support regarding: machine spares, fault support, continuous improvement.
My daily tasks include but is not limited to: systems based breakdown rectification (physical presence on line and remote working), root cause analysis of systems breakdowns, system maintenance (system back-ups), administrative functions (user access), system recipe creation and testing.
I also get involved in medium to low impact projects on both PPB and STF due to the high volume of project work assigned to the PCE team. Projects include; machine upgrades (with qualification and validation activities), machine decommissioning (systems), document audits and improvements to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
I have a high level of interaction both internal and external to AstraZeneca. Due to the role serving BAU, I am one of the main points of contact for system queries in PPB and STF. I must ensure issues are resolved effectively and efficiently, minimising asset downtime or ensuring projects stay on schedule.
There are many service level agreements set in place with external manufacture whom have machines installed in our facilities. I contact companies directly for information and support regarding: machine spares, fault support, continuous improvement.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
4/5
The programme really suits my working lifestyle. All study materials is made available online through Aston University Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) so it's my choice when I study.
Off the Job Training means that I have 20% of my working week reserved for my studies which is effectively 1 day a week. This day is clearly communicated with my work team so that resource to work tasks can be allocated ahead of time, reducing the stress of jobs maybe not getting down and the team being left short.
The course has already given me a lot of good knowledge and experience that I can transfer over to my working life including; academic report writing, leading teams presenting etc.
Off the Job Training means that I have 20% of my working week reserved for my studies which is effectively 1 day a week. This day is clearly communicated with my work team so that resource to work tasks can be allocated ahead of time, reducing the stress of jobs maybe not getting down and the team being left short.
The course has already given me a lot of good knowledge and experience that I can transfer over to my working life including; academic report writing, leading teams presenting etc.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
4/5
I have currently completed the following modules in the BEng Professional Engineering (Control Systems Engineering and CTSE DA); Engineering Project Management and Sustainable Engineering.
Both courses have developed my academic mindset in regards to; researching, report writing, critical analysis, exam revision.
The Sustainable Engineering module includes a group project. This group project has forced me into a leadership role which I had no previous experience in. This has given excellent experience in leading teams which could be translated into my workplace.
Both courses have developed my academic mindset in regards to; researching, report writing, critical analysis, exam revision.
The Sustainable Engineering module includes a group project. This group project has forced me into a leadership role which I had no previous experience in. This has given excellent experience in leading teams which could be translated into my workplace.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
4/5
The course layout was clearly explained to us at a two day induction session at Aston University in Birmingham. The course is structured so that each module is one after the other apart from Professional Development, which happens throughout the entirety of the course.
Exams are on Saturdays instead of the work week which allows me to fulfil my responsibilities in the workplace.
All study material is on the Aston VLE and there are also some online workshops led by the course leaders.
Exams are on Saturdays instead of the work week which allows me to fulfil my responsibilities in the workplace.
All study material is on the Aston VLE and there are also some online workshops led by the course leaders.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
5/5
My manager fully supports my studies. They attend quarterly reviews with myself, professional supervisor and academic supervisor, providing constructive feedback on my performance in the workplace.
My On the Job training (1 day of study) is fully supporting by my manager and team. Sometimes compromises have to be made due to workload however my studying does not suffer.
My On the Job training (1 day of study) is fully supporting by my manager and team. Sometimes compromises have to be made due to workload however my studying does not suffer.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
4/5
All Aston staff involved in this module as responsive to email queries. This includes the course director, module leaders, supervisors etc.
Online workshops provide an opportunity to ask questions and seek advice verbally. Aston Staff sometimes hold Q&A drop in sessions providing support.
Aston has a Learning Development Centre with online courses for things such as: academic writing, presenting, researching, note taking etc.
Online workshops provide an opportunity to ask questions and seek advice verbally. Aston Staff sometimes hold Q&A drop in sessions providing support.
Aston has a Learning Development Centre with online courses for things such as: academic writing, presenting, researching, note taking etc.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
4/5
The Professional Engineering Degree course has made me more confident in my knowledge at work. Allowing me to provide constructive recommendations based on sound knowledge. I have gained confidence in 'putting myself out there' with presenting and leading teams.
The increased amount of work has exercised my abilities to balance workload which is a good skill to have in a fast paced environment.
The increased amount of work has exercised my abilities to balance workload which is a good skill to have in a fast paced environment.
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
I like going to music festivals and gigs (especially drum and bass, jungle, reggae). I play badminton with my work team once a week which builds out of work relations with my colleagues.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend AstraZeneca to a friend?
Yes
Why?
AstraZeneca is a great place to work. There is a positive and respectful environment. Everyone is treated fairly and with integrity. There is scope for career development, if you apply yourself. The workload is manageable and if it becomes too much, you can raise this with leadership who will take action. For my role, there is a a wide range of work, you are not always doing the same repetitive tasks.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to AstraZeneca?
AstraZeneca takes values and behaviours extremely seriously. Read through and understand the 5 golden rules of AstraZeneca and try to think of examples of actions you have taken that align to these rules. Technical aptitude is important however values and behaviours are more important.
Team work is extremely important at AstraZeneca and your ability to work as a team will be tested. You must act as a positive member of team. You should not feel the need to do everything on your own, and you should ask others for helps if required.
Team work is extremely important at AstraZeneca and your ability to work as a team will be tested. You must act as a positive member of team. You should not feel the need to do everything on your own, and you should ask others for helps if required.
