laboratory scientist apprentice (bioscience) Review
at AstraZeneca
Degree Apprenticeship
Pharmaceutical
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
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Overview of Role
5/5
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Skills Development
4.4/5
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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:
4/5
the role initially was QC testing. my role has expanded into other areas such as QA, development and technical over the years which has been enjoyable
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
4/5
the programme with MMU is very good, the bioscience one is new and have only had issues with chemistry unit disorganization
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
5/5
learnt lots of new skills in QC, GMP, microbiology, QA skills, manufacturing. The soft skills and working with people in various environments has been invaluable
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
4/5
The AZ (workplace) side was not very well structured initially in terms of rotations and plans for apprentices, however I have made the best of mine and has worked out well. The MMU degree is very well structured
How much support do you receive from your employer?
4/5
Some business areas and rotations are better at working with and understanding apprentices, and providing the right support, compared to others and sometimes have to chase managers.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
4/5
MMU have dedicated skills coaches who have been great and i have always been able to reach out to my subject tutors too.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
5/5
It has given me lots of theoretical knowledge that the workplace may not have taught me as it may not be essential to the role but definitely nice to have. It's meant i can understnd the reason behind the way i work on a deeper level
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 of employee resource groups (ERG)s including AZ pride, AZ network of women. There are sports teams i think netball and football clubs. there are always social events and although i don't usually attend as my commute is long, i would highly recommend these and think they are great to build the community. Theres lots of apprentice networking events, grad events etc but also STEM events which we are supported to do, which increase confidence and networking, developing those soft skills
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend AstraZeneca to a friend?
Yes
Why?
Its a great company to work for, the benefits including pension, time off etc are incredible. The company is so big that you can work in various areas as someone early in your career and hopefully find an area you want to work in
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to AstraZeneca?
research specific things about the company relatie to your field. e.g a new collaboration/piece of research. and make sure to be your authentic self and showcase your soft skills too
