IT Apprentice Review

My current role is in Global External Sourcing within the Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) Simplification team. This role is very different to my previous roles in IT but on a day-to-day basis I work on the landscape data for both the UK and EU. One of my other tasks is developing the business process for adding and modifying data in these landscapes. I am also involved in the GES ERPS project planning.

I have developed many skills over each of my rotations so far. One of the key skills is networking. Being with a variety of different people in different departments has given me to confidence to make contacts with the people i have worked with. I have also done a variety of training courses at work, one of the main ones being User Experience (UX) training. this is very valuable to me as this is where i wish to be in the future. University is also developing my qualifications in digital and technology solutions. My chosen pathway is IT consultancy so i am particularly enjoying the customer lifecycle management module.

I really enjoy this degree apprenticeship and the opportunities it has given me. Both the work and university sides have given me not only great friendships but great knowledge and experience. As I had more science experience than IT experience going into this job i was quite nervous as i didnt know what to expect. However everyone at AstraZeneca and at university was so welcoming and supportive, i settled down very quickly.

I feel very valued by AstraZeneca. i have done 3 rotations so far within AstraZeneca and in each of them I have had a great raport and professional relationship with each individual line manager. Also, from the early talent leads and other people i have worked with over time i have felt apreciated and valued in my work. When it comes to external reognition i feel it can sometimes be beneficial to have a role name specific to your department, not just 'IT Apprentice'. I think some people can view the word apprentice to mean inexperienced, so to have a specific role name along with the apprentice title could perhaps be beneficial for external interactions.

The whole programme was very well organised straight from the assessment day. When we started we had a mentor, and apprentice 'buddy' and a graduate 'buddy' which was a great support when starting. I feel there could be more organisation in regards to finding rotations/permanent roles but recently there has been more assistance put in place so I see this getting better and better.

At university there is also a lot of support from both staff and peers. With student support officers and tutors there is plenty of channels to seek support and guidance which i think is great/ this paired with work tutors means that i have numerous people i can speak to about different topics.

From all of my linemenagers so far i have receieved amazing support. Some of my managers have even supported me into university also which was a great help. My mentor is excellent and she has helped me with work and university throughout my time here. She is present at all my uni/work progress reviews and we meet regularly to discuss ways she can help me further.

Relatively well as i still live with my parent so it provides enough money for me to pay my mother rent money. I also do not drive yet so i do not have a car to pay for but i can give my mother money for fuel when carsharing. I am learning to drive however and will be purchashing a car/insurance soon and i am not sure my salary as an apprentice will cover both these costs, petrol costs and my rent costs. Daily costs are fine in terms of food/drink/miscellaneous.

I have attended multiple events since i started, mostly in my first rotation. Microsoft events, Lenovo Events etc and these gave me a great chance to start networking an building up my experience. I have also attended so school events to spread awareness of degree apprenticeships to school students. we also have the opportunity to volunteer one day a year. Also i did lots of charity activities with the other apprentices in the first year which was great fun and went to a good cause. There are lots of sporting activities also to get involved in.

Yes

They are a very well established company that treats all of their employes with respect. Any role you are in provides amazing knowledge and experience and it is just an all-round nice place to work.

I would advise to stay calm. I was very anxious about applying here due to my science background rather than my IT background. However, i managed to keep my compsure and i feel my approachability/confidence in what i was talking about gave me the edge in my assessment day.