Finance Apprentice Review
at AstraZeneca
Degree Apprenticeship
Finance
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!
4/5
-
Overview of Role
4/5
-
Skills Development
3.4/5
-
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
The finance apprenticeship programme is structured to have year rotations, giving us the opportunity to explore different areas. I have just started on my last rotation on a project team, implementing a new system into the business. My role hasn't completed been established yet, but I have been building my network in the team, onboarding and learning about the area and project, communicating with stakeholders within and outside of the project team, linking business users with the project.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
4/5
I enjoy the programme I am on. It gives me the opportunity to learn about different areas within finance throughout the company, enabling me to be able to build my network and skills. However, it is sometimes hard as what we study might not relate to the role we are currently in.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
4/5
Communication skills - This has improved through rotating to different areas, having to get use to talking to new team members and being in different buildings. Also, by being a social representative for the apprentices helped improved this skill in a different environment as it was more at a younger age range.
Presenting skills - These have improved through talking/presenting what work i have done in weekly team meetings and presenting posters of finance at National Apprenticeship Week events.
Presenting skills - These have improved through talking/presenting what work i have done in weekly team meetings and presenting posters of finance at National Apprenticeship Week events.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
3/5
The programme is some what organised and structured. It was clear for the first 3 years of the programme what areas the rotations would be in. Then after this point for years 4/5 it was less organised, with us apprentices coordinating more of them rotations. This has been good, as I have been able to rotate in areas that interest me, driving motivation.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
4/5
The support I receive from my employer is great, they are always so flexible and accommodating for my study's, making sure I have time to revise. They provide lots of trainings internal and lots of support in new roles - I have always had good onboarding time to learn the new area - not getting thrown in the deep end!
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
4/5
Support from the training provider is good, skills coaches are super helpful, coordinating courses and supporting with any queries that I have, and also having regular catch ups to see how I am getting on. Tutors are also great, they take the time to go through things to make sure it is understood.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
3/5
Over the course of the apprenticeship, it has sometimes been hard to link what we are doing for our qualifications in with work and visa versa. As the programme means I move round in different areas, some rotations links more than others. When they do link, it helps me perform better as I understand more of what is going on, allowing deeper analysis.
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
I have got involved in National Apprenticeship week - presenting about finance to other areas within the business. I have also supported in the Virtual Work Experience that AZ offer to Year 10 students, joining a panel session and answering any questions they have about finance and the programme.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend AstraZeneca to a friend?
Yes
Why?
AZ is a great company to work for, everyone is so supportive, there is lots of different areas to go into and career progression opportunities.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to AstraZeneca?
Advice would be to be passionate about the role and have an interest in science (whether that is learning about it of having existing knowledge). AZ are big on their values, and employees are driven to use these everyday.
