Technician Science Apprentice Review
at AstraZeneca
Degree Apprenticeship
Science
Cambridge
Review Submitted: April 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
-
Overview of Role
5/5
-
Skills Development
3.8/5
-
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
Working in the laboratory to synthesise novel molecules, improving knowledge of organic and synthetic chemistry. Attending meetings with chemistry team to discuss project goals and medicinal chemistry side of the project. Understanding the fundamentals of drug design and discovery.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
4/5
Learning new things everyday is really interesting and engaging, making the apprenticeship very enjoyable. Also, being treated as a peer by my colleagues is encouraging, and everybody is always interested to find out more about the apprenticeship. Sometimes the university work can be challenging, but there is a lot of support from the workplace.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
5/5
New skills I have learned include communicating with and learning from experienced chemists. Moreover, my knowledge of chemistry has significantly improved, helped by the 'hands-on' approach to the apprenticeship. Also, improving key skills such as time-management and presentation techniques, especially to an informed audience, has been important for developing my confidence.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
3/5
Generally, the programme is well-organised, and I know what is expected from me. However, I feel that sometimes there is a lack of communication between the university provider and the workplace, so it can be challenging to work through when the two aspects of the apprenticeship need to be linked, such as for the company-based project.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
4/5
I receive a lot of support from the employer, and if I am struggling with the university work, there is always somebody I can ask for help. There is always an opportunity to take on more responsibility if I want to.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
3/5
On the whole, support from the training provider is okay. The apprenticeship advisor is very supportive, and if there is an issue regarding the training provider, the apprenticeship advisor will really help to resolve this. Support from the academics can be limited at times.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
4/5
Through the qualification, I understand the theory and knowledge behind the practical organic chemistry a lot better. This helps me to make more informed decisions in the laboratory, and together they work well to improve my general skills.
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 lots of activities and social events to get involved with. There are networking events at least every month, and it is easy to find information about these.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend AstraZeneca to a friend?
Yes
Why?
The apprenticeship scheme is really good, and has been very valuable to me. I am happy with all the experience I have been able to gain, and am grateful for the support that has been provided.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to AstraZeneca?
It is a really great working environment, and a great opportunity to improve subject knowledge and key skills such as communication and planning. It is a great place to work, and you can be yourself.
