Medical Statistician Apprentice Review
at AstraZeneca
Degree Apprenticeship
Pharmaceutical
Macclesfield
Review Submitted: February 2026
Overall Rating
4.6 /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!
5/5
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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:
5/5
Working as a statistician on one or more clinical trials within Oncology R&D. At a high-level, statisticians are involved in designing clinical trials, planning and preparing for the analysis of results, and conducting the analysis and interpretation, as well as providing statistical input as required whilst the study is ongoing. On a day-to-day basis this could involve working on statistical analysis plans, plans for how the results will be presented, reviewing other study documents, reviewing results, programming (generally in SAS or R), performing exploratory analyses, attending cross-functional meetings. Generally working alongside 1 or 2 more senior statisticians, as part of a cross-functional study team.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
5/5
I really enjoy my program - the work is interesting and meaningful, with many opportunities to experience different types or areas of work that statisticians in the company do.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
5/5
I have learnt new technical skills such as programming in SAS, which I had never used before. I have also gained technical knowledge of statistical methods relevant to the role, e.g. survival analysis, dose escalation methods. I have also developed many professional skills such as communication and teamwork.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
5/5
The program is well structured with three rotations over three years across different teams, enabling us to gain experience on a range of different projects. Apprentices, graduates and placement students all form the 'early careers team' with dedicated line managers who organise rotations and development opportunities.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
5/5
There are many avenues of support at work, including your line manager, rotation/project supervisor and the Apprenticeships team. New starters are also assigned a buddy who is usually another apprentice or early career statistician who can help with onboarding and any questions whilst settling in. There is a lot of support offered from the Apprenticeship team prior to starting and during the first week in particular to help you settle in. There are a lot of training and induction activities during the first few months which help you learn about what you will be doing and ease in gradually to the work.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
4/5
There are regular meetings with members of staff at the university to discuss university modules, progress towards development goals and collecting evidence for the final portfolio. Lecturers are generally understanding of the fact that we have to balance our studies with work. The university course is all delivered via online, pre-recorded content but there are forums where you can ask questions.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
3/5
A lot of the course content I had previously covered during my undergraduate degree, especially in the first year. A lot of it is also quite general applied statistics which isn't necessarily directly applicable to my day to day role, but it provides a basic foundation.
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 lots of extra curricular activities at work, with social activities organised within the early careers stats team, the wider statistics department, the apprenticeships committee, AZInspire (for early career individuals across the business). There are many employee resource groups which organise events, and other site-wise social groups, activities and sports teams.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend AstraZeneca to a friend?
Yes
Why?
It's a very interesting and rewarding job, with the opportunity to contribute to something meaningful. You are encouraged and supported to take on new opportunities and grow professionally. The environment is very supportive and friendly, with colleagues always happy to give you time and support your development.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to AstraZeneca?
Have a look into the role of statisticians on clinical trials to gain a basic understanding of some of the work and whether it would interest you. Look up the AZ values and try to align yourself with them. Show that you are keen to learn and genuinely interested in the work.
