SHE Apprentice Review
at AstraZeneca
Degree Apprenticeship
Business Operations
Cambridge
Review Submitted: February 2025
Overall Rating
3.6 /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!
3.5/5
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Overview of Role
3/5
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Skills Development
3.2/5
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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
As a Health & Safety Apprentice in a pharmaceutical R&D laboratory-based organisation, I manage multiple risk assessments, conduct lab safety inspections and audits, participate in various training activities, ensuring compliance and promoting a strong safety culture. I engage with stakeholders across all levels, and coordinate key meetings, while also continuously learning on the job.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
3/5
I enjoy my apprenticeship, as it allows me to apply theory to real-world scenarios, engage with diverse stakeholders, and drive safety improvements in a dynamic R&D lab environment. The mix of risk management, training, and compliance work keeps it engaging, while progressing towards my educational needs makes it rewarding.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
3/5
I have strengthened my stakeholder engagement and communication skills by leading SHE meetings with senior leaders, lab managers, and wider project teams. Managing risk assessments has enhanced my attention to detail, compliance knowledge, and digital platform management skills.
Additionally, conducting lab safety inspections has improved my analytical and problem-solving abilities, enabling me to identify hazards and implement corrective actions effectively. Reviewing and updating training materials has also refined my training development and content review skills.
Additionally, conducting lab safety inspections has improved my analytical and problem-solving abilities, enabling me to identify hazards and implement corrective actions effectively. Reviewing and updating training materials has also refined my training development and content review skills.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
3/5
My apprenticeship is generally well-structured, providing a strong balance between practical experience and academic learning. However, it could be improved by offering more tailored development opportunities, such as specialised training or mentorship in key areas like biosafety or occupational health. Having greater flexibility in project selection would also enhance learning.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
4/5
I receive excellent support from my employer, with mentorship, regular progress reviews, and opportunities to engage with experienced and senior professionals. My team is always available for guidance on risk assessments, training, and compliance work. To further enhance my development, I’d love more shadowing opportunities in specialist areas to gain deeper insights and also enhance my people management skills.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
2/5
The support from my training provider is okay, but much of the work is independent, requiring strong self-motivation and time management. They do provide good CPD opportunities regularly, which helps with professional development. Their platform for logging off-the-job hours is also well-structured and easy to use, ensuring clear progress tracking.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
2/5
My qualification provides a strong theoretical foundation in risk management, compliance, and SHE best practices, which helps me apply structured approaches in my role. However, much of my learning comes from practical experience and independent application. While the CPD opportunities are beneficial, more role-specific guidance and case studies would enhance its impact.
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 endless extra-curricular activities available at my workplace—if you can think of it, we probably have it! From sports teams, social events, volunteering, and well-being initiatives to professional networking events, there’s something for everyone.
Personally, I even started my own cricket team, which has been an incredible way to develop leadership, communication, and strategic thinking skills. It’s also great for my health and well-being, while giving my mentees the chance to captain matches, boosting their confidence and decision-making abilities. The variety of activities truly enhances the workplace experience!
Personally, I even started my own cricket team, which has been an incredible way to develop leadership, communication, and strategic thinking skills. It’s also great for my health and well-being, while giving my mentees the chance to captain matches, boosting their confidence and decision-making abilities. The variety of activities truly enhances the workplace experience!
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend AstraZeneca to a friend?
Yes
Why?
I would highly recommend AstraZeneca to a friend because of its dynamic and inclusive work environment, endless development opportunities, and strong commitment to innovation and well-being. The company offers fantastic career progression, mentorship, and networking while encouraging learning through real-world experience. Plus, it provides the perfect balance of education, hands-on experience, and financial support.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to AstraZeneca?
If you’re applying to AstraZeneca, my biggest advice is to be proactive and show enthusiasm for learning. Highlight your passion for your chosen field, problem-solving skills, and ability to collaborate. Take time to research the company’s values and culture, as they strongly emphasise on this.
For apprenticeships, focus on how you can balance education, hands-on experience, and professional growth. Be ready to showcase your adaptability and eagerness to take on challenges. Finally, don’t be afraid to ask questions during interviews—it shows initiative and a genuine interest in the role!
For apprenticeships, focus on how you can balance education, hands-on experience, and professional growth. Be ready to showcase your adaptability and eagerness to take on challenges. Finally, don’t be afraid to ask questions during interviews—it shows initiative and a genuine interest in the role!
