Laboratory scientist degree apprentice Review

Item: Laboratory scientist degree apprentice at AstraZeneca
Rating: 5
Author: Anonymous

at AstraZeneca

Degree Apprenticeship

Pharmaceutical, Science

Cambridge

Review Submitted: February 2026

Overall Rating

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!

5/5 - Overview of Role

5/5 - Skills Development

5/5 - 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

I work in the R&D biopharmaceuticals area. Currently, 4/5 days a week involve culturing numerous cell lines, performing protein degradation experiments and running western blots alongside carrying out my university studies on the last day of the week.

To what extent do you enjoy your programme?

5/5

I find it very interesting and engaging working in the lab whilst learning all the theory behind it through my colleagues and university studies.

Skills Development

Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?

5/5

I have developed my cell culturing and networking skills. I have also learnt how to carry out a protein degradation experiment and how to use the samples from this to run a western blot.

Structure and Support

How well organised/structured is your programme?

5/5

The programme is well organised/structured. The university course I am currently on has included dedicated time to complete assignments during the study day in order to help with the work/life balance.

How much support do you receive from your employer?

5/5

I have received lots of support by my employer particularly with lots of supervision in the lab and flexibility when I required it . There are also many resources within the company to gain support with mental wellbeing.

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

5/5

My training provider has been prompt with following up to any emails with queries. The academic staff happily offer 1:1s if you need it.

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

5/5

It has provided me with the fundamental knowledge needed to be able to understand what I am doing in the lab and why I am doing it. With more knowledge and understanding, it helps me to start contributing ideas.

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 plenty of employee resource groups, poster sessions and apprentice networking events -just to name a few. There is also a gym which is free for employees and provides different training sessions such as strength training.

Recommendations & Advice

Would you recommend AstraZeneca to a friend?

Yes

Why?

There are so many opportunities that come with an apprenticeship at Astrazeneca. There are endless skills you can learn both in the lab, from the people around you and also on internal platforms (which is where you can tailor your learning to your own interests).