Digital Apprentice Review
at AstraZeneca
Degree Apprenticeship
Pharmaceutical
Macclesfield
Review Submitted: March 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
I support the development of clinical studies using digital tools. I assist with trial planning, data collection methodologies, and evaluation, while collaborating with cross-functional teams to enhance healthcare outcomes through technology. This involves both set team meetings as well as project specific meetings and focus tasks. The role offers valuable learning experiences from both my employer and University.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
4/5
I really enjoy my programme both within my role and the wider apprentice community. There is a great network of apprentices to share your experiences with. I have had the opportunity within my role to explore different areas of the business and develop my understanding of different functions as well as seeing the impact of my work for patients.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
4/5
I have strengthened my communication skills by effectively interacting with a diverse range of stakeholders across a global organisation. I have also developed my research skills through development of disease area strategies that have been used to inform decision making in our team, allowing me to explore complex challenges with innovative solutions. Planning skills are also important in aligning ways of working and resources across projects in the team.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
4/5
The degree programme includes a variety of modules, allowing me to gain insight into the diverse applications relevant to my role. My department have been very supportive in developing my understanding across areas based on upcoming opportunities. The support from the apprentice network is really valuable in navigating the program and sharing experiences. There are a range of apprentice-led initiatives which provide opportunities to develop soft-skills and engage with multiple cohorts of apprentices.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
3/5
Support from the apprentice team is strong initially but declines, especially in exploring future opportunities and navigating final year. My line manager is supportive with projects but often uncertain about apprenticeship specifics, leading to these aspects being overlooked or self-managed. I regularly meet with my mentor to align my development plan with workplace goals, university KSBs, and personal interests. My team have been very supportive in exploring opportunities and my development.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
4/5
As my University is mostly online, the contact we have with staff is limited to two seminars per module. Thankfully, my employer have been supportive of allocating time for this flexibly. We are also able to book time with the lecturers and my experience with this has been positive.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
4/5
The breadth of content covered in my course has been a great differentiator in my role. The range of modules covered have encouraged me to explore processes in various areas of the business and apply them back to 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.)
4/5
There is an apprentice social society which organises social events throughout the year as well as apprentice sports teams to join. There is also an early careers employee resource group which have a number of professional networking opportunities. Additionally, my team have departmental initiatives to support networking and team building.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend AstraZeneca to a friend?
Yes
Why?
I would recommend this apprenticeship because it offers unique opportunities to develop both practical skills and industry insights while studying for a degree. I really enjoy the projects I have worked on and have been able to embody the company's values and connect with knowledgeable professionals I might not have met otherwise.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to AstraZeneca?
Understand the company values and how they might relate to your own experiences. Each team is different and the application is as much about your own development as it it the skills you will bring.
