Supply Chain Leader Review
at AstraZeneca
Degree Apprenticeship
Supply Chain Management
Macclesfield
Review Submitted: January 2025
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!
4.5/5
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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
This role requires you to consistently contribute to improving the supply chain. Typically through cost, productivity and sustainability improvements. These can be achieved in a team setting or through individual work.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
5/5
I enjoy my programme, by ensuring the area was something I was interested in by doing prior research was key, if I had gone for an apprenticeship I wasn't actually interested in then I would likely be dissatisfied.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
4/5
When completing a degree apprenticeship your time-management and communication skills are significantly developed. You will also need to develop your networking skills and other general professional skills.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
5/5
My programme is really well structured, my manager has a 4 year rotational plan which covers the key areas that I will be placed in. We also have guidance on the university course and its structure from the older apprentices on our course.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
4/5
Personally, I have been offered support when needed from my manager as well as colleagues. It's rarely needed though as all the information you need is usually provided.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
4/5
Support is available for individuals when needed. However, it is better to compile multiple things and then ask them all at once rather than constantly ask questions. This helps save lecturers time and your own as well.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
4/5
Some areas of the qualification may not seem relevant to pharmaceuticals, but all the data collection and analysis methods covered are generalisable. Approaching the course with an open mind and considering how what is being learnt can be applied to the pharmaceutical industry is crucial.
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 occasional nights out, social activities and monthly coffee-catch up meetings that can be attended. Volunteering activities are also available and there are also sporting activities available.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend AstraZeneca to a friend?
Yes
Why?
The company are supportive and give you a clear path for progression. Most importantly, the work completed is enjoyable and can have an impact on a global scale. As well as this, the workplace culture is inclusive and diverse, you feel challenged on a daily basis but support is always available.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to AstraZeneca?
Research the companies annual report to gain an understanding of their current and future strategies/objectives. When applying make sure you are interested in the area that the role is based in and how it functions in the pharmaceutical industry. Lastly, doing extra reading around the area is beneficial.
