Project Manager Review
at AstraZeneca
Degree Apprenticeship
Project Management
Macclesfield
Review Submitted: February 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
-
Overview of Role
5/5
-
Skills Development
4/5
-
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
I am responsible for leading projects to deliver change within UK Operations, AstraZeneca. Example projects include Supply Chain Changes, technical changes to packing lines, and Process Improvements. I initiate projects, creating project documentation, lead Project PDCA Meetings, create project plans, and manage stakeholders, as well as managing issues and risks. I work with AZ employees globally. I also own my own Business Process and am responsible for its maintenance and improvement.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
4/5
I have really enjoyed my Degree Apprenticeship programme at AZ, recently completing the apprenticeship and gaining full time employment as a Project Manager in the business. I have developed lots of new skills and have gained real business experience which is valuable to any new role or career I wish to explore. There were minor feedback points I would give to improve the experience of Project Management Apprentices across the business, to ensure they are set up for success in their degree, such as the variety of projects we are exposed to. Other than this, the programme has been an enjoyable experience.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
5/5
I have learnt a plethora of new skills, including fundamental project management skills - planning, communication, risk management, and issue management. I have developed my leadership and management skills, leading teams of up to 15 to deliver complex changes. I have developed resilience and prioritisation skills throughout my apprenticeship, allowing me to manage multiple projects to closure simultaneously.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
4/5
The university programme is well structured and deadlines and upcoming courses have always been clear throughout. The programme is designed so that study is heavy throughout the 3 years, but having the information available at the start of the three years allowed for forward planning (such as annual leave / workload in work).
How much support do you receive from your employer?
4/5
Support from AZ employees has been pivotal in my apprenticeship. I have always received support from my peers when asking University-related questions, with many offering to review my reports for feedback. AZ have been flexible with my workload throughout periods of time where University work has been highly demanding. The only extra support would be to review KSBs of specific apprenticeships to ensure there is a clear plan for how competencies would be achieved when aligning apprentices to projects.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
4/5
Support from Northeastern University has been good. I had Tripartite meetings every 6-8 weeks throughout my apprenticeship with my Line Manager and Success Manager at University which were a good checkpoint. Lecturers were always available to answer queries. The only downfall was that often feedback on assignments were not always useful for future work, which I fed back to Northeastern University at the time of my apprenticeship.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
3/5
While my degree course was very relevant to the practice of Project Management, it was not always fully aligned, as real-world business project management is very different to academia. I had lots of Case Study assignments where I needed to apply theory to my own experiences, but sometimes these did not align fully. Having said this, I sat my APMQ in Year 1 of my degree, which was incredibly valuable for my performance in role, and it did support me providing new ideas to my team. Most of my performance was developed through real experiences, rather than the practice in my qualification, since project management is heavily focused on softer skills.
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
I lead AZinspire, which is a Global Employee Resource Group for early career individuals, delivering key note sessions and events for those early in their career. I have found this to be very beneficial to improve my network, develop more leadership skills, and be involved in Event Management. I even used this as an example in my University Portfolio.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend AstraZeneca to a friend?
Yes
Why?
There are many benefits to working for AZ. Having gained my full time role out of my apprenticeship, I really felt valued by the organisation and that their investment in me was beneficial to both me and the business. I have had an overall great experience during my Apprenticeship at AZ.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to AstraZeneca?
Ensure that you know our Values and that they align with yours. Focus on demonstrating your potential - you are not meant to be a finished article at the start of the Apprenticeship, so show willingness to learn, be curious, and enthusiastic. Work on developing key examples to show your softer skills - e.g. leadership, time management, determination - these are valuable skills for any role.
