Supply Chain Leadership Apprentice Review
at AstraZeneca
Degree Apprenticeship
Supply Chain Management
Macclesfield
Review Submitted: May 2024
Overall Rating
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!
5/5
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Overview of Role
5/5
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Skills Development
5/5
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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
As a Supply Chain Leadership apprentice working in the Learning and Development team, I am helping to develop consistent and comprehensive learning materials by working closely with subject matter experts from each function in the supply chain. On a day to day basis, I help respond to general training queries, prepare documentation for new starters within the department and ensure I am up to date with project work and other ad hoc tasks.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
5/5
I am thoroughly enjoying my apprenticeship. I have many opportunities to develop my professional skills, learn about each function in the supply chain and contribute to projects. I also have a supportive network of fellow apprentices and helpful colleagues, which make AstraZeneca a great place to work.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
5/5
My presentation skills have been challenged and improved in this role as I have had the opportunity to host a webinar series that invites guests from different departments to share information about their role in AstraZeneca's supply chain. I have also had the opportunity to lead meetings which has helped develop my verbal communication and leadership skills.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
5/5
Very well structured. During my apprenticeship, I will complete an 18 month placement in Learning and Development and two 12 month placements in other areas of the supply chain to ensure thorough understanding of the end to end supply chain. I am supported in taking my 20% off the job hours and I have a clear understanding of the academic requirements of the apprenticeship.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
5/5
A lot of support. I have regular communication with my manager to raise any concerns I have with my workload or with my university degree. My manager also regularly helps me plan which projects I should be involved in, to aid my understanding of each area of the supply chain and support my academic assignments. I am supported in taking at least 20% off the job hours. I have a large support network of other apprentices across the company.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
5/5
Plenty. I have 12 weekly meetings with my progress reviewer from the university who helps identify any areas of concern I have and if I need further support. In between progress reviews, I am able to contact module tutors for help with the module content and the library for assistance with further reading, academic writing and referencing.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
5/5
Being able to apply theory to workplace practice is very beneficial in helping to understand the purpose of different processes and functions. The academic writing style encourages you to think critically and reflect on past experiences to help suggest improvements for the future, these are important skills which can be applied in the workplace.
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
Yes. There are multiple employee resource groups, social societies and events e.g. volunteering days, charity events and networking opportunities.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend AstraZeneca to a friend?
Yes
Why?
It is a great place to work. You are supported in your personal career development as well as in your current role. There are countless learning opportunities from learning lunches to apprenticeships. There is great sense of community which is supported by the societies and groups in place.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to AstraZeneca?
1. Have a clear understanding of why you want to work here. Look at AZs values, which resonate with you the most and why?
2. Learning is at the heart of an apprenticeship. You need to learn about the company, your role, what your strengths and weaknesses are, the academic content - being able to demonstrate your willingness to learn is very important.
2. Learning is at the heart of an apprenticeship. You need to learn about the company, your role, what your strengths and weaknesses are, the academic content - being able to demonstrate your willingness to learn is very important.
