Chemistry Apprentice Review
at AstraZeneca
Degree Apprenticeship
Chemistry
Cambridge
Review Submitted: April 2026
Overall Rating
4 /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
3.4/5
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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
Practical chemistry, in the lab synthesising novel compounds. Learning about retrosynthesis, reaction mechanisms, and medicinal chemistry.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
5/5
It's really interesting, and I'm constantly learning new things. There is a variety of tasks that I can do, and lots of experienced chemists who I can chat with and learn from.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
5/5
I've become proficient and independent in the chemistry lab - I am able to perform reactions and analysis with little help. I can use higher-risk chemicals under supervision.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
2/5
The university course alongside my work is not very relevant to what I do. The university course is very heavy on analytical chemistry, however I carry out synthetic chemistry. This makes it very challenging to keep on top of synthetic chemistry knowledge, because it is not being reinforced by the university course. I have to learn synthetic chemistry relevant to my job role in my own time.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
5/5
My mentor at work is exceptionally helpful, and is always willing to provide guidance on my reactions/synthetic chemistry knowledge. My manager is also very helpful and understanding, and I feel fully supported by them.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
3/5
My point of contact (apprenticeship advisor) for the university is very helpful, and she always responds to my queries very quickly. That said, the university course itself provides little support for my job role.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
2/5
As said earlier, there are too many analytical chemistry modules on the course. This doesn't really help me, as I need to learn synthetic chemistry for my job. If there were more synthetic chemistry modules/the option to choose more, that would be very helpful.
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 professional networking events and activities. I don't get involved in too many of them due to the commute, but I recognise that these are available.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend AstraZeneca to a friend?
Yes
Why?
The work culture is good, and my colleagues are all lovely. I receive a lot of support from AstraZeneca, and there are many benefits to working there.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to AstraZeneca?
Apply as yourself - be your true self in the interview, because personality is also important alongside technical knowledge
