Laboratory Science Degree Apprentice Review

I work in biopharmaceutics with a focus on advanced in vitro dissolution. My day-to-day responsibilities include designing and running experiments to assess the dissolution behaviour of different formulations, sampling and analysing outputs, and processing, interpreting, and documenting the results. I summarise findings into clear reports and presentations, and I present the data to the team to inform formulation selection and next-step experimental plans.

The programme is well organised and clearly structured. The curriculum follows a logical progression, timelines are communicated early, and resources (readings, labs, assessments) are easy to access. Regular check‑ins and prompt feedback keep things on track. On the degree apprenticeship pathway, where we spot gaps or opportunities for improvement we are strongly encouraged to speak up and provide feedback to improve the future of this pathway.

I receive excellent support from my employer. I have weekly check ins with my mentor and bi weekly with my manager. Within these check ins I am always asked about how I am and if there is anything they can support me with across both university and my job.

Training provider provides plenty of resources for the units to cover all the content and provide lots of questions on the topic. We are encouraged to contact the university for questions that we may have, however sometimes this communication could be stronger as I have sometimes had to wait weeks for a small answer. I receive quarterly check ins where I am given the opportunity to speak to my uni coach about how my development at work is going and how my uni units are going which makes me feel well supported.

In some sections lots but in others not at all. My ob is quite specific and therefore it would be hard to cover this within a uni unit. The units that aren't related to my job at all I still find beneficial as what I am taught are important scientific principles that could be important if I ever changed job. The units that are applicable are great as when I spot an opportunity for my knowledge to be applied it means I can really solidify the knowledge and see how it can actually be useful in a real situation.

Yes

It is a great place to work. Colleagues are very helpful and if you ask them they will be happy to share lots of their knowledge with you which really helps to develop you as a scientist because you are hearing from leaders in their areas. There is a nice atmosphere at AstraZeneca, mental health and wellbeing is a priority, we are encouraged to take holidays often and there are many adjustments that can be made (such as flexible working hours) to accommodate a more suitable and enjoyable work experience, there is lots of awareness for inclusion and diversity. Astrazeneca is supportive and sets up apprentices with a great support network to be able to excel during their time at the company. I would highly reccomend working for Astrazeneca.