Lab Science Degree Apprentice Review
at AstraZeneca
Degree Apprenticeship
Chemistry, Pharmaceutical
Cambridge
Review Submitted: February 2026
Overall Rating
3.6 /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!
3/5
-
Overview of Role
5/5
-
Skills Development
3.6/5
-
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 am currently on rotation doing chiral separations now. While the work can be repetitive in nature, I recognise the value of this at this stage of my apprenticeship. Repetition has allowed me to build confidence, improve lab manual skills within the laboratory.
Starting with more structured and repetitive tasks has supported my onboarding, enabling me to establish a solid foundation before progressing to more complex responsibilities. It has also helped me manage the transition into balancing workplace expectations alongside university commitments. However since this is the start of my apprenticeship the only academic knowledge I have at this point is a-levels; and so far the theory behind the work I do in the lab is still minimal - so a more thorough, set plan of how to integrate theory from the very start of the apprenticeship could be useful.
Starting with more structured and repetitive tasks has supported my onboarding, enabling me to establish a solid foundation before progressing to more complex responsibilities. It has also helped me manage the transition into balancing workplace expectations alongside university commitments. However since this is the start of my apprenticeship the only academic knowledge I have at this point is a-levels; and so far the theory behind the work I do in the lab is still minimal - so a more thorough, set plan of how to integrate theory from the very start of the apprenticeship could be useful.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
3/5
My typical day consists of being in the lab all day working on chiral separations and so time for other commitments like learning the theory behind chiral separations and uni work is rarely done during working hours. And so as I am becoming more confident in the lab manually; the actual science behind remains unknown and disconnected to my everyday work which can make the job seem less exciting.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
5/5
Since coming into the lab with minimal manual skills in September compared to now I have developed alot of confidence in basic lab skills such as pipetting . I have also strengthened my desicion making skills when trying to modify methods when carrying out the chiral separations. I also have strengthened networking skills with other apprentices and Industrial placements student .
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
5/5
My rotation allows me to gain exposure to many different components within analytical chemistry
How much support do you receive from your employer?
3/5
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
4/5
Manchester Metropolitan University provides alot of support- every three months roughly a ‘skills mentor’ has a meeting with the apprentice and their manager discussing progress at work and university. They provide may different ways of supporting you such as MMU allows you to book meetings with certain mentors a sort of support sessions - where maths or excel for example skills can be practiced with a the support of a lecturer.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
3/5
Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)
3/5
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend AstraZeneca to a friend?
Yes
Why?
Putting yourself in a much more competitive position to peers who may only be going to university with minimal work experience.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to AstraZeneca?
To identify your current skill set (with set examples of how those skills are rehearsed) and try apply how your skills would be helpful in the job role you applied with
