Associate Engineer Review

Item: Associate Engineer at AstraZeneca
Rating: 4.8
Author: Anonymous

at AstraZeneca

Degree Apprenticeship

Pharmaceutical

Macclesfield

Review Submitted: January 2025

Overall Rating

4.8 /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!

5/5 - Overview of Role

5/5 - Skills Development

4.6/5 - 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

I am contributing to business critical investigations, 3D printing and performing simulations which allow for the calculation of stresses, and distributions of loads across components. I am developing new skills in digital strategies and using AI and other software systems to problem solve and analyse.

To what extent do you enjoy your programme?

5/5

I really enjoy the apprenticeship scheme at AZ. I think the apprentice community is fantastic and there are great social aspects. I also really enjoy the work that I do as I can see the impact that the work I am doing has on patients and the wider population.

Skills Development

Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?

5/5

I have learnt skills in CAD, FEA, problem solving and presenting. I have really developed across a range of soft skills including communication and logical thinking.

Structure and Support

How well organised/structured is your programme?

4/5

My degree programme is great in terms of being broad enough to cover a range of topics which I can apply to work. There are certain areas of the course which could be improved to allow for more time for assignments and better deadline management however, overall I have learnt a lot.

How much support do you receive from your employer?

5/5

The scheme at AZ is really well structured. I have my line manager who supports me with my development opportunities as well as two mentors who support with with my uni work and work projects. I have a development plan which we stick to and ensure alignment with my KSBs. There is the wider apprentice network as well who are great at supporting each other throughout challenging periods.

How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?

4/5

My degree program is provided in person so there is quite a lot of support from lecturers and other people at university during contact time. I also have a workplace coach who supports me in achieving the aspects of my EPA

How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?

5/5

My qualification is very broad and doesn't focus on pharmaceuticals so there aren't many direct links to my direct role. However, there are some assignments which I have done which link to gathering the wider picture of my organisation and how it operates which has really supported my in 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.)

5/5

There are many social events which occur at work. I attend frequent team building events with my team and there are also quite a few apprentice socials which occur. There are sports teams which can be joined such as netball and football and there are some great professional networking events with some of the senior leaders such as the national apprenticeship week roadshow.

Recommendations & Advice

Would you recommend AstraZeneca to a friend?

Yes

Why?

I feel like I have been well supported and it is a great opportunity to go to university and work at the same time. I think the company has good values which apply to most of the projects I am working on and it has opened up a world of opportunities for me which wouldn't have been possible otherwise.