Procurement Apprentice Review
at AstraZeneca
Higher Level Apprenticeship
Procurement
Macclesfield
Review Submitted: January 2025
Overall Rating
4.1 /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
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Overview of Role
4/5
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Skills Development
3.8/5
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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
My role is within the external manufacturing space where I am involved in a variety of projects that include contracting, negotiation, sourcing, supplier relationship management, risk mitigations, financial and data aspects. On a day-to-day basis I will work on my projects and have available support from all stakeholders and management.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
4/5
I really enjoy my apprenticeship programme as I have wide opportunities to develop and a good level of responsibility within projects whilst still feeling confident to ask for help/questions. I have a supportive team and a supportive apprenticeship team who respect my study time as well as on the job development.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
4/5
I have learnt many new technical skills relating to procurement and supply, both at AZ and with CIPS, as well as developing my soft skills. From interacting with many different internal colleagues, other apprentices and external suppliers, I have developed new responsibilities and gained a greater sense confidence.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
4/5
My programme is well structured as I have a specific team during my L4 apprenticeship and encouraging managers for both my day to day work and my studying for my CIPS modules where I receive my 20% study time. The programme is well organised by AZ by not being overwhelming.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
4/5
I receive lots of support from my employer as I have lots of senior leaders and managers who I either work with on projects, report to weekly or supervise my progress with CIPS to ensure I am making good progress and offering any additional support. I also have a mentor within procurement who I meet with regularly.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
3/5
I receive a good amount of support from my training provider such as online resources and a 1:1 tutor. Because I started the programme when I was 18, I also receive a few under 19 support sessions to help me work towards my exams and make sure I am on track.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
4/5
I feel my qualification has helped me to perform my role to a higher standard as I can apply any content I've learnt to different areas of procurement and increase my comprehensive understanding. It also gives me more confidence through networking with other procurement and supply apprentices in varying businesses and roles.
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
The apprentice community offers many different opportunities such as professional networking events, mental health and well being support groups and social events outside of work. Within the company itself it also offers lots of different opportunities for networking events, employee resource groups and out of work activities.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend AstraZeneca to a friend?
Yes
Why?
AstraZeneca is a great company which is supportive and inclusive of everyone. Especially early careers, we are offered many different opportunities to develop and grow in our roles with the support of the business.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to AstraZeneca?
Research the company and take a look at the core values and future developments. Showcase your skills and your willingness to learn and grow within the company. Practice any common interview questions to increase your confidence and keeping calm when being interviewed. Show genuine interest in the company and the role to show eagerness.
