Bioscience in vivo apprentice Review
at AstraZeneca
Degree Apprenticeship
Pharmaceutical
Cambridge
Review Submitted: May 2024
Overall Rating
4.9 /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
-
Skills Development
4.8/5
-
Structure and Support
Overview of Role
Please give an overview of your role and what this involves on a day-to-day basis:
5/5
This role is varied, it contains hands on in-vivo work, supporting projects, cells work and formulating compounds. Typically in the morning I am in the animal unit, the rest of the day is often spent in the office organising, and prepping work around the studies.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
5/5
I love it, I would highly recommend. The opportunities are endless for personal development, the team is very supportive with both work and university, there is not much I would change.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
5/5
Everything is new, I have developed lab skills, skills specific to animal work, soft skills through presentations and project opportunities. The role is varied enough that you can increase all of the skills you want to at a good pace.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
5/5
The work side is organised and supported well by my team and by the AZ apprenticeship team. There are regular reviews with my manager, mentor and university. The structure isn't super strict and allows me to follow my own interests. The university is also organised well.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
5/5
The support from AZ, the apprenticeship team, my team and my close colleagues is fantastic. All forms of support are accessible. Everyone in my team is approachable and I know they will help me if I need it.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
5/5
MMU has been great so far. There are live online lessons with the teachers where you can ask questions, the teachers are very involved even outside of the lessons. I have regular reviews with my support coach from the uni who can help in all aspects.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
5/5
The reviews with the support coach helps give an outside perspective on aspects I should try and push to develop within my role. The content taught also helps with general understanding of the science that underpins my role.
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 plenty, especially if you live locally to work. Unfortunately I have a slightly longer commute so don't go to many of the events. Our team has regular events at work and the apprenticeship team has events in and out of work, including sport teams.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend AstraZeneca to a friend?
Yes
Why?
The role is amazing, I am constantly learning, the team are lovely, the other apprentices are great, the pay and benefits are fantastic for this point in my career and there are so many development opportunities for the future.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to AstraZeneca?
Make sure your passion for science comes through in your CV and interview, your attitude to work and learning is far more valuable than your grades. Research the values and what role you're applying for. Be true to yourself, if it is meant to be, it will be.
