Medical Statistics Apprentice Review

Item: Medical Statistics Apprentice at AstraZeneca
Rating: 4.5
Author: Anonymous

at AstraZeneca

Degree Apprenticeship

Pharmaceutical

Cambridge

Review Submitted: April 2025

Overall Rating

4.5 /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 - Overview of Role

5/5 - Skills Development

4.2/5 - 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

Overview-
I am a Medical Statistics Master's Apprentice, working within the Biometrics function at AstraZeneca. The Biometrics function ensures that all aspects of drug development are supported by accurate, robust statistical analysis, needed for informed and effective decision making through the drug development pipeline.
Day to day-
Whilst on a level 7 apprenticeship, 20% of your time at work is dedicated towards your academic studies. I participate in a variety of drug projects, assisting in the development of-
- statistical analysis plans (SAPs)
- tables, listings and figures
- development/review of code for analysis and reporting
- harmonising broader study team views to inform statistical decisions

To what extent do you enjoy your programme?

5/5

I generally enjoy my programme. There were some teething issues as I was in the first cohort within the company doing this programme. However these have been resolved and managers/ those who provide you training are willing to listen to feedback.

Skills Development

Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?

5/5

The amount that I have learnt is unexplainable. This job requires a thorough understanding of statistical methods and how they are applied in clinical trials. Understanding of the industry, regulatory authorities, the drug development pipeline, coding in SAS and R, complying with GCP guidelines, how to safely use and manage patient data etc.
The first year in this position you are mainly just learning!

Structure and Support

How well organised/structured is your programme?

5/5

This programme is fairly well organised. The milestones individuals hit and cover can vary widely depending on what therapy areas they work in and what phases (earl/late stage trials). So the path isn't necessarily the same for everyone. I will admit the structure of University modules could be better. At the beginning there was a lot of revision from your undergraduate degree, that I think could have been done quicker and more time spent on more valuable/newer topics.

How much support do you receive from your employer?

5/5

My employer is supportive, I meet with my manager on a weekly basis and they listen to concerns and feedback I have. Sometimes it is difficult to juggle work and University responsibilities, but it is possible and they are understanding of if you require more time around deadlines etc.

How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?

3/5

I think there are still a lot of teething issues- most of the support I receive is more so through my employer rather than through University. However we have regular meetings to touch base, which are useful for keeping rapport going.

How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?

3/5

I think my qualification is a great start and a useful tool that supplements my learning at work. However, I think the modules on offer could be more relevant to what we are doing in the industry. For e.g. the most useful module I've done so far didn't start until the last semester of my first year- would have been much better if it was earlier! Additionally I think some aspects of my assignments could also be more relevant.