Quality Apprentice Review
at AstraZeneca
Degree Apprenticeship
Macclesfield
Review Submitted: April 2025
Overall Rating
4.6 /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!
4.5/5
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Overview of Role
5/5
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Skills Development
4.4/5
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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
Working within a quality control laboratory testing that the raw materials are fit for the patient before they are able to be manufactured into the medicine. Working with different equipment such as Gas Chromatography, Liquid Chromatography, Inductively Coupled Plasma and many other wet tests.
Working in the lab 4 days a week and studying for my Chemical Sciences degree 1 day a week.
Working in the lab 4 days a week and studying for my Chemical Sciences degree 1 day a week.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
4/5
I love working here at AstraZeneca with the many different opportunities and experiences which I am able to get involved in everyday. An apprenticeship is a great alternative to university, creating the balance of work and study together, whilst earning money.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
5/5
During my time here at AstraZeneca, I have learnt many new analytical techniques working with instruments such as Gas Chromatography, Liquid Chromatography, Inductively Coupled Plasma.
Furthermore, working in a diverse, busy lab has helped me to develop time management, teamwork and communication. All of these skills have helped to increase my confidence as an individual.
Furthermore, working in a diverse, busy lab has helped me to develop time management, teamwork and communication. All of these skills have helped to increase my confidence as an individual.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
4/5
The programme is very well organised. We work 4 days a week and study 1 day a week. This is normally the same day each week which creates structure. We are given a timetable for university, so that we know when exams and teaching periods are. And managers are understanding and support us all along the way.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
5/5
AstraZeneca is really good for support. We have a network of managers, buddies, mentors who we are all able to reach out to and ask for advice in situations. We have many different networking events and personal development sessions in order to better ourselves as individuals and this is all managed by our employer.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
4/5
We have webinars each week which allow us to ask any questions we may have to do with the lecture material and we also have quarterly check in's with our skills coach where we are able to communicate any concerns with the course and discuss feedback we are given.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
4/5
Different units apply to different parts of my roles. Analytical Chemistry and Physical Chemistry apply directly to day to day role within the lab. Workplace units such as communications and research help to develop skills for outside the lab and communicating with cross functional teams.
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
There are many different extra-curricular activities, there are social events such as drinking and non-drinking events. Furthermore I participate in a work netball team with other apprentices. All of these events have helped me to make friends and build my network within the company. Professional networking events also occur and we are encouraged to get involved where possible.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend AstraZeneca to a friend?
Yes
Why?
Having an apprenticeship at AstraZeneca, has helped me improve as a individual significantly. From gaining the skills needed for my day to day job as well as confidence and communication skills. I have had some amazing opportunities and have been opened to new growth both in my apprenticeship and after.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to AstraZeneca?
Do it, it is an amazing opportunity and will help you to learn so many new skills.
