Laboratory Scientist Degree Apprentice Review
at AstraZeneca
Degree Apprenticeship
Science
Cambridge
Review Submitted: February 2026
Overall Rating
4.3 /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
4/5
-
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
My work involves planning, carrying out and analysing experiments both independently and under supervision of a supervisor. I also have to attend regular project/team meetings, including presenting my work.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
4/5
The work is engaging and I have learned a lot through working on a range of projects with the support of my supervisor and team. I feel I have an appropriate level of responsibility for my role whilst still having opportunities to grow. However, balancing responsibilities with university study remains challenging.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
5/5
I have had plenty of opportunities to grow my skills, from learning basic laboratory skills to more advanced automation skills and lab techniques. I have also had the opportunity to work on skills beyond the immediate scope of my role, including coding and advanced statistical techniques.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
3/5
The university programme is incredibly fast paced, which makes it difficult to absorb the content, which is a shame because the content itself is well thought-out and useful as an early career scientist. If the courses and assignment turnover were slightly longer, I feel I would get more use out of the programme.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
4/5
My manager, supervisor and team are incredibly supportive, and the early talent team are there if you need anything. However, I feel like the early talent team could be more involved in checking in with apprentices actively, as some may feel hesitant to reach out if they need help.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
4/5
The course leads are incredibly helpful and always on hand to answer any questions, and we have success managers (equivalent to mentors) who monitor our progress and take care of us pastorally, however the upper management of the apprenticeship programmes can be slow to respond to feedback about the programme.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
4/5
While not all the content is relevant to my role, the degree has been useful in building basic scientific skills, such as critical thinking and ethics, experimental design, project management, literature reading and writing and more.
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
We have ERGs both for apprentices and early talent where you can socialise and network with other early career professionals. Social activities vary by department but my team are very social and we have regular social activities (usually one a month), as well as opportunities to connect within work such as coffee and cake socials.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend AstraZeneca to a friend?
Yes
Why?
It's a great place to work for as an apprentice, as there are abundant opportunities to grow while having plenty of support from multiple sources.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to AstraZeneca?
Ensure you read up on the company and our values, and learn about the technology/cutting edge of the department you're applying for.
