Laboratory Scientist Review

Item: Laboratory Scientist at AstraZeneca
Rating: 4.3
Author: Anonymous

at AstraZeneca

Degree Apprenticeship

Science

Macclesfield

Review Submitted: March 2026

Overall Rating

4.3 /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!

4.5/5 - Overview of Role

5/5 - Skills Development

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

As a Laboratory Scientist Apprentice, everyday is different. Some days I may be in the lab analysing samples using a range of different analytical techniques such as LC, GC, XRPD and DSC. Other days may be more desk based, focussing on data analysis, modelling and report writing. I recently got the opportunity to go on secondment where I was working in a different area of the business which was a great experience!

To what extent do you enjoy your programme?

5/5

Everyday is different on my programme. I have had the chance to collaborate on real life-changing projects and been trusted with a level of independence I never expected so early in my career. I am lucky enough to be surrounded by a vast support network, who are always more then willing to take the time to assist me in my learning and development. AZ is a great place to work!

Skills Development

Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?

5/5

Countless! Working here I have been given the opportunity to present my work at multiple internal events, poster presentations, and conferences. Alongside 2 external conferences where I bettered my networking skills alongside my presentation and communication skills. I have also significantly improved on my time management skills, gaining the confidence to prioritise and say no rather than feeling I must accept everything in my pathway. From a technical perspective, I have gained invaluable knowledge in multiple areas of the business, including analytical techniques, specialist area and process chemistry.

Structure and Support

How well organised/structured is your programme?

3/5

Great - I get one day for my university work, which my colleagues will protect at all costs. I find this plenty of time to maintain a good work/life balance. From the university perspective, I sometimes find release of materials not as structured as I would like. Some module leaders release blocks (which I like so I can complete flexibly according to my schedule), however some only release weekly which is sometimes hard when trying to complete assignments around work.

How much support do you receive from your employer?

5/5

My employer 100% support me. From all aspects, I feel completely supported. They listen to my development plans and assist in identifying ways to achieve these, alongside fine-tuning them to business needs. In terms of knowledge, all AZ employees are more then happy to assist with anything, as they all enjoy talking about their passions!

How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?

4/5

Weekly webinars for learning which is specific to Apprentices, giving us a good opportunity to ask questions in a space just for apprentices.

How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?

3/5

The fundamental principles are helpful and provide general understanding of chemistry which is vital for my development. In terms of my role, it is a very niche area, therefore sometimes it is difficult to directly to my role.

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

Plenty of all the above! I play in a netball team with other apprentices and graduates. There are multiple socials organised for apprentices throughout the year, to list a few that have happened over the course of my time here, Otley Run, Ladies Day at the Races and Tough Mudder Challenge.