Laboratory Scientist Apprentice Review
at AstraZeneca
Degree Apprenticeship
Pharmaceutical, 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!
5/5
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Overview of Role
5/5
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Skills Development
3.8/5
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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 work in the analytical science department, completing a laboratory science apprenticeship. My university course is Chemical Science - where I have one study day at home (online) per week. I work in the lab doing experimental role, but also work in the office as I write-up experiments, carry out project work and do admin tasks.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
5/5
Great support and really nice work culture with an emphasis on Great Place to Work. University course is great being online to save commute with 1 in-person trip for a week per year.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
5/5
Yes - learnt lots of laboratory based skills and various analytical techniques. Developed soft skills such as communication, writing, presentation, punctuality and organisation. Also developed existing skills in techology, digital and AI space.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
4/5
Very organised in the fact that every Monday I use for university and the rest of the week is working in the office - with some flexibility in terms of working from home where required. University course could be slightly more organised with some modules having too many resources that just isn't possible to cover in the time we have for university work.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
5/5
All the support needed - I have a line manager, a mentor and colleagues who are always happy to help when needed.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
3/5
Support available but sometimes not very helpful. Can always email and receive responses but sometimes feedback is general and takes a while to be received.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
3/5
Not much really - it's good to learn the chemistry that is applicable to my role. However, the modules do not link directly to analytical work and techniques that I carry out in the lab. However, the soft skills modules are applicable to the role - but I believe they would be applicable to most roles - not just lab science roles.
Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)
4/5
Yes - team work events, Christmas party, football after work in small networks, apprentice network events and development opportunities
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend AstraZeneca to a friend?
Yes
Why?
It's a great place to work that really helps with skill development, especially for apprentices, and it has a great support network.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to AstraZeneca?
Really try to show why you are a good fit to AstraZeneca and its values as a company. Use your CV and your interview as an opportunity to showcase why you are a good fit to Astrazeneca as a company and specifically to your desired role. Also use your skills and experiences as evidence to show this.
Process industry manufacturing apprentice
at AstraZeneca
- Level 3 Apprenticeship
- Charter Way, Macclesfield SK10 2NA, UK
-
4.3
