Automation Engineer Review
at AstraZeneca
Degree Apprenticeship
Engineering
Macclesfield
Review Submitted: December 2024
Overall Rating
3.8 /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
-
Overview of Role
4/5
-
Skills Development
3/5
-
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 role consists of working closely with the engineering automation department to support a production facility which manufactures and packs pharmaceutical products, with my average day usually being made up of fault finding, then fixing these faults while placing measures to prevent future issues from arising within the machinery and robotics used to do this.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
4/5
I enjoy my program a lot, the workload is nicely broken up by my university course and my day of independent study each week - removing the stressful nature of having a large workload - allowing me to enjoy my apprenticeship fully while still completing it to a high level.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
4/5
Since starting my apprenticeship 3 months ago now, I have greatly developed my understanding of electrical systems and learnt a lot about how they work and communicate with the software behind them. A large amount of this knowledge was solidified by me designing my own system using components similar to those within the actual systems.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
3/5
My programme is very well structured, the way that my university course is integrated into my job removes the stressful nature of completing a degree and having a job at the same time, I have an extra day each week to complete my assignments and have organised training and rotations in work which are very well organised.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
3/5
I receive a lot of support from my employer, not just with University, but within the job as well, if I do not understand something, the people I work with are helpful and will explain it to me - usually allowing me to have hands on practice until I understand it fully.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
3/5
My training provider offers me a lot of support, I am provided with online tutoring sessions and in person workshops for if I do not understand something when I am in University. Furthermore, I have in depth lectures and 1-1 sessions which monitor my progress and identify weak areas for me to work at.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
3/5
My University degree is very tailored to my job role and provides me with a greater depth of knowledge on how the systems I work with function and what they are composed of - improving my understanding on why the specific systems are used - allowing me to perform better in my job 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.)
3/5
AstraZeneca commonly hosts professional networking events which act as a great opportunity to meet and connect with new people while strengthening business connections. In addition to this, the campus also has a gym and regularly hosts sports and social events.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend AstraZeneca to a friend?
Yes
Why?
AstraZeneca is a great place to work due to the extensive bonuses and reputation it has as a business, it is a great entrance to a career due to the vast amount of support and opportunities they give you.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to AstraZeneca?
Research the company and what they are looking for in a candidate, include past experiences and hobbies which align with the job role you are applying for on your CV and showcase your knowledge on these topics in your interview.
