Laboratory Science Apprentice Review
at AstraZeneca
Degree Apprenticeship
Pharmaceutical, Research
Cambridge
Review Submitted: February 2026
Overall Rating
4.5 /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
4.2/5
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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 am lab science apprentice. Here I plan and run experiments in early drug discovery. I have learnt lots of new lab skills throughout. On a day-to-day basis, I spend a mixture of my time in and out the lab, attending meetings, planning and running lab work and getting involved in other outreach
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
5/5
Very varied programme, allowing me to learn many different lab skills throughout the apprenticeship. Structured very well, and line manager is always very supportive of my development.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
5/5
Constantly able to learn and develop new skills, whilst making use of cutting-edge and modern technology. Through discussions with my line managers, every year we seek out new opportunities (e.g. new projects, secondments or experiments) for me to broaden my skill set.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
5/5
Very well structured. A welcome week at the beginning of the apprenticeship allows you to meet your peers, who form the basis of your apprentice support group at AstraZeneca. The programme of work is coordinated through your line manager, so organisation and structure can be varied depending on your line manager, however, mine has been able to supply lots of support throughout, making my programme feel very well organised.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
5/5
Lots of support from line manager and surrounding team. Everyone is keen to help you learn new skills, and support you both in and out of the lab. There are other early talent and apprentice groups that are useful to be apart of, to feel more peer-to-peer support.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
3/5
Regular check-ins with academic advisor and the option to contact the lecturers when questions arise. Sometimes the support is varied depending on lecturer, but equally this experience seems to be consistent across any course/uni, not just apprentice specific.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
3/5
For core principles, the course content really helps to learn the basics. However, I feel my course could be more useful three were opportunities to link more to your workplace, or if content was updated more regularly with advancements within the scientific community.
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
Lots to get involved with, just need to look for what suits you best! Early talent groups, other support groups (e.g. network of women, pride, neurodiversity). Teams and departments do also organise social and networking activities throughout the year.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend AstraZeneca to a friend?
Yes
Why?
Very good pharmaceutical employer, with lots of support and novel science to be involved in. The culture is also very supportive and inclusive.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to AstraZeneca?
Be yourself, and see how your strengths align to the company values!
Know how to sell yourself and be able to apply any work or other experience you have to interview questions - people who are able to do this well, typically show better performance in interviews!
Know how to sell yourself and be able to apply any work or other experience you have to interview questions - people who are able to do this well, typically show better performance in interviews!
