Digital Technology Solutions Apprentice Review
at AstraZeneca
Degree Apprenticeship
Science
Macclesfield
Review Submitted: February 2023
Overall Rating
4.1 /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
3.6/5
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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 am a digital apprentice, within my team I am currently working to ensure alignment across the systems we use. I am responsible for updating these systems and attend meetings both for my work and for visibility of other projects. I regularly engage with members inside my team and also have the opportunity to collaborate outside of this group.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
4/5
From being surrounded by applications to both university and apprenticeships, not knowing which direction to go in. To choosing to start my career with an apprenticeship, I have enjoyed each step of the journey so far. My program is in a field I was interested in but had not studied before, both the workplace and University aspects of my apprenticeship I am finding engaging & am enjoying learning about.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
4/5
During my apprenticeship I have been able to build a strong network from day one. This includes individuals within early careers -such as other apprentices or grads, but also senior leaders and teams from across the organisation. Not only have I grown my networks, but also my confidence in doing so.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
4/5
My organisation has multiple cohorts of apprentices, this allows collaboration and advice to be shared between apprentices. This support is invaluable for a new starter in a global organisation. The program itself is structured to allow you to explore the areas of the business that you have an interest in, in parallel with your University study.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
4/5
There are multiple channels of support from my employer. Within the UK there are cohorts of apprentices and we are encouraged to showcase the opportunities and experiences we have had. There is also the support of: a line manager, mentor & buddy (usually another apprentice in an older cohort). This provides support to us from multiple angles within the organisation.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
3/5
During the induction process to university there were many sessions to support a new apprentice by sharing information about the program & how it works going forward. Throughout the modules we cover, there is support from the university faculty and it is clear who to reach out to for different queries.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
3/5
The modules covered in my degree help me broaden my knowledge of the field I am working in. My workplace activities and uni content often compliment each other in order for the employer to be active in the apprenticeship. Through my degree I am learning more about the fundamentals of the sectors I engage in.
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
There are groups within my organisation for just apprentices but also for early careers individuals. It is really nice to have organised events outside of all of our different day jobs, to be able to collaborate and network with others our age. There are social events arranged regularly for those who want to attend. There are also many opportunities to represent apprenticeships and our company at careers events & conferences.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend AstraZeneca to a friend?
Yes
Why?
Since choosing to start an apprenticeship, I have been surprised by the amount of opportunities I have been able to be a part of that without my apprenticeship I would have had no idea about. Making the decision to follow the apprenticeship route over the traditional university route was daunting but has been just as rewarding -I haven't looked back since!
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to AstraZeneca?
Make sure you have done your research, familiarise yourself with the AZ values & behaviours and think of examples from your own life that may demonstrate these/ how you would demonstrate these as an apprentice? During your application it is important to be yourself! As simple as it sounds, assessors are keen to get to know who you are as a person, as well as why you might fit the role.
