Supply Chain Leadership Apprentice Review

Item: Supply Chain Leadership Apprentice at AstraZeneca
Rating: 4.8
Author: Anonymous

at AstraZeneca

Degree Apprenticeship

Supply Chain Management

Macclesfield

Review Submitted: April 2026

Overall Rating

4.8 /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 - Overview of Role

5/5 - Skills Development

4.6/5 - 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 within the Logistics team, supporting day-to-day logistics operations. My role involves collaborating with external partners, maintaining accurate data across multiple systems and responding to general logistics queries. In addition, I regularly engage in development sessions with mentors and managers to support my ongoing learning and professional growth.

To what extent do you enjoy your programme?

5/5

I thoroughly enjoy my programme, as it has given me the opportunity to work across three different supply chain teams, each with distinct responsibilities, stakeholders, and ways of working. This variety has allowed me to develop a broad understanding of the supply chain function while working with a wide range of people and projects.
The work is highly relevant to my degree, which helps reinforce my learning and keeps the programme engaging. I also value the variety the programme offers, the strong support from colleagues, and the company’s values and behaviours, which align well with my own and contribute to my overall enjoyment of the programme.

Skills Development

Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?

5/5

I have developed both new and existing skills, particularly in project management, through involvement in multiple projects. This has improved my time management, ability to meet deadlines, lead small teams, and present findings.
I have also strengthened my communication skills through written work and opportunities to lead meetings, workshops, and careers events. Additionally, I have developed key supply chain skills such as prioritisation and proactive thinking, understanding how each stage of the supply chain impacts overall delivery to the customer.

Structure and Support

How well organised/structured is your programme?

5/5

The programme is well organised and structured as a three‑rotation scheme, providing exposure to different areas of the supply chain. This allows for a holistic understanding of the end‑to‑end supply chain and the opportunity to work with a wide range of stakeholders.
The structure also aligns well with my degree, as each module focuses on a different area of supply chain management. Gaining hands‑on experience across several functions supports my overall knowledge and skill development and helps prepare me to be more career‑ready.

How much support do you receive from your employer?

5/5

I receive a strong level of support from my employer, with a good balance between independence and guidance. I am trusted to take ownership of meaningful work while being supported by mentors, managers, and team colleagues when needed.
Each department also has an apprentice lead who acts as a first point of contact for apprenticeship‑related support and helps guide development, including identifying opportunities to gain experience aligned with apprenticeship requirements.

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

4/5

I receive sufficient support from my training provider while working towards my qualifications. Module leads are helpful and responsive when answering questions, and the learning hub at Leeds Trinity is a valuable resource. They support the development of my academic writing skills and help ensure supply chain concepts are communicated clearly and succinctly in an academic context. The module leaders at the Supply Chain Academy are experienced and approachable, and are always willing to provide guidance when needed.

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

4/5

The qualification provides a strong theoretical foundation and is helpful to an extent in supporting my role. However, in practice, supply chain concepts in the workplace can differ and are constantly evolving.
The on‑the‑job element of the degree is therefore essential, as it enables me to apply learning in a real‑world context and develop well‑rounded, practical supply chain knowledge.

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 a wide range of extra‑curricular activities available at work. These include apprentice‑specific initiatives such as a netball team and a social society that organises events, which support relationship building across the apprentice community.
There are also events held annually for National Apprenticeship Week, employee resource groups across AstraZeneca, and regular lunch‑and‑learn sessions, business tours, and networking events, all of which provide opportunities for learning, engagement, and professional development.

Recommendations & Advice

Would you recommend AstraZeneca to a friend?

Yes

Why?

Yes, I would recommend AstraZeneca to a friend. The company offers well‑structured apprenticeship programmes, with supportive managers and colleagues, and provides a wide range of development opportunities that support both professional and personal growth.

What tips or advice would you give to others applying to AstraZeneca?

I would advise applicants to consider AstraZeneca’s values and behaviours and reflect on whether they align with their own. It’s important to think about how you can demonstrate these values through previous experiences, such as work, education, team activities, or involvement in clubs and societies, and be prepared to discuss these during the application process.

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