Oncology Scientific Apprentice Review
at AstraZeneca
Degree Apprenticeship
Science
Cambridge
Review Submitted: April 2025
Overall Rating
3.1 /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!
3/5
-
Overview of Role
4/5
-
Skills Development
2.6/5
-
Structure and Support
Overview of Role
Please give an overview of your role and what this involves on a day-to-day basis:
3/5
I work in a lab performing genomic analyses of oncology clinical trial samples, looking at mutations and gene expression to help advise patient selection criteria as well as mechanisms of drug action and resistance.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
3/5
I really enjoy my programme, although support from the education provider is limited and apprenticeship programme support is limited.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
4/5
Public speaking, scientific writing, communicating effectively and building relationships, utility of AI, wet lab skills, data analysis including R coding
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
2/5
My team is very well structured, the apprenticeship programme however could do with improvement. After enrollment/first month, they aren't interested in supporting you or celebrating wins, it seems as though people select their 'favourites' and those people have more opportunities than the rest.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
3/5
A lot of support from my line manager, supervisor and team, not a lot from the programme support staff.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
2/5
Limited support.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
1/5
Not really at all, the content isnt relatable and its not helpful/useful to simply read a book. It is not an effective way of learning
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
A lot of professional networking.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend AstraZeneca to a friend?
Yes
Why?
Nice community atmosphere, everybody is very friendly and helpful and eager to help you learn
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to AstraZeneca?
Have a nice, but strong personality, be passionate about what interests you.
