Procurement Apprentice Review
at AstraZeneca
Higher Level Apprenticeship
Procurement
Macclesfield
Review Submitted: February 2026
Overall Rating
4.4 /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
4.4/5
-
Structure and Support
Overview of Role
Please give an overview of your role and what this involves on a day-to-day basis:
4/5
My role includes all end to end procurement activities, ranging from sourcing, contracting, negotiation with external suppliers.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
4/5
I thoroughly enjoy the programme as I am surrounded by a supportive team and organisation who encourage my development. The learning on the job is invaluable experience from my day to day activities. This is enhanced through my learning from CIPS.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
5/5
I have learnt many new skills since starting my programme. This includes soft skills which I can apply to any role such as confidence, presentations, software usage, and effective communication.
I have also learnt and developed countless procurement specific skills as I upskill.
I have also learnt and developed countless procurement specific skills as I upskill.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
4/5
My programme is structured in an organised way, the format is easy to follow and I understand the expectations required. I am allocated 20% study time off per week, which is beneficial to my work/study/life balance and is well supported in the organisation.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
5/5
I am grateful for the guidance, mentoring, and development opportunities—they’re always available, proactive, and invested in my progress.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
4/5
I appreciate their structured modules, clear resources, and timely feedback—CIPS is responsive and helps keep me on track toward my qualifications.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
4/5
I feel my qualification helps me perform better. As a third-year procurement apprentice on the CIPS pathway, the frameworks, case studies, and tools deepen my commercial thinking and improve day-to-day decision-making, stakeholder engagement, and overall understanding.
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
AstraZeneca provide many extra curricular activities and professional events. They are available to everyone and promoted company wide. Within the apprentice community, there is a committee available with various sub groups who organise many different activities such as various socials outside of work.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend AstraZeneca to a friend?
Yes
Why?
I've experienced a supportive culture, meaningful work with real impact, excellent mentoring, and clear development pathways. The company invests in people, embraces innovation, and offers so many opportunities to grow and contribute from day one.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to AstraZeneca?
Understand AZ’s purpose and link your experiences to patient impact, ethics, the role’s core requirements, and the overall values. Show a strong curiosity mindset, ask insightful questions, seek feedback, and highlight your willingness to learn (e.g., CIPS, relevant courses).
