Process Engineer Degree Apprentice Review
at AstraZeneca
Degree Apprenticeship
Chemical Engineering
Macclesfield
Review Submitted: March 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
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Overview of Role
5/5
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Skills Development
4.6/5
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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:
5/5
As a Process Engineer Apprentice, I work within the Chemical Reaction Hazards team, where my primary responsibility is to ensure the safe scale-up of chemical processes from laboratory scale to plant scale. I contribute to identifying potential hazards through laboratory experiments, and based on these findings, appropriate safety measures are determined and implemented.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
5/5
I thoroughly enjoy the program as it has provided me with the opportunity to learn at university and then apply and reinforce that knowledge through my daily work. This hands-on approach is something I have found particularly beneficial for my learning style.
Additionally, being involved in real-life projects being able to make meaningful impact early in my career is something I find extremely fulfilling.
Additionally, being involved in real-life projects being able to make meaningful impact early in my career is something I find extremely fulfilling.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
5/5
Working in a professional environment has allowed me to enhance my professional and communication skills. Additionally, I have developed chemical engineering knowledge through my university course, and have been able to apply this learning in a practical setting, further enhancing my understanding and skills.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
4/5
I believe the program has been well-structured. There have been various opportunities at work that have allowed me to achieve the knowledge, skills and behavioural competencies required to pass my apprenticeship.
There have been times when the university course workload has been quite demanding, and the requirements from different modules have sometimes overlapped. However, my workplace has consistently been supportive during these periods.
There have been times when the university course workload has been quite demanding, and the requirements from different modules have sometimes overlapped. However, my workplace has consistently been supportive during these periods.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
5/5
I have received significant support from my employer in gaining experiences that have allowed me to obtain the experience necessary to achieve the knowledge, skills and behavioural competencies required for my apprenticeship. I also have regular catch-ups with my manager who is always seeking ways to support me and enhance my experience wherever possible.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
4/5
I have bi-weekly webinars with the module lecturers who are able to answer any questions that have come up while progressing through the course content.
Furthermore I have catch-ups every 12 weeks with a work-based learning advisor from the university where any questions or concerns about anything university related can be addressed.
Furthermore I have catch-ups every 12 weeks with a work-based learning advisor from the university where any questions or concerns about anything university related can be addressed.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
5/5
I have been able to independently pick up projects and apply my learning to aid continuous improvement within the team.
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 a range of different activities to get involved with! There are sports groups e.g. run clubs and netball clubs, that are open to all. Additionally our apprentice committee often arrange social events for the apprentice community, which can include activities like bowling, crazy golf, social nights out and hiking.
There are also many professional networking events where you can hear from leaders within the business and learn about the work other apprentices are involved in.
There are also many professional networking events where you can hear from leaders within the business and learn about the work other apprentices are involved in.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend AstraZeneca to a friend?
Yes
Why?
It really is a great place to work!
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to AstraZeneca?
Make sure you highlight any relevant skills and experiences you have that relate to the role, and let your genuine interest in the field shine through!
