Process Champion Review

I Work with the supply chain business users in astrazeneca to come up with innovative ways of using technology to improve their processes. I work with global teams to deliver and develop solutions. It requires technical understanding and people management to ensure that all stakeholders are brought along the journey.

Initially I was set on being a project manager, since starting the degree I have learnt different types of coding, from java and node js, to front end html. This has allowed me to understand the technical side of things and create applications, websites and software to improve AstraZeneca processes

The programme is very challenging and you do need to put a lot of time and effort in to succeed. However, there is a great sense of achievement when completing assignments and getting good marks. This makes the course very enjoyable as there is clear deliveries to astrazeneca and my team.

Over the past 5 and half years, the programme has lost structure. We started off with a programme manager who we could meet with regularly, she helped with rotations and any problems. Her role then moved down to Cambridge and lost structure instantly. However over the last few months a new structure has come in, this is now improving and apprentices are rotating better with a clear structure.

Support varies from manager to manager and team to team. My last role got very little support, however in my current role, my manager and whole team are very supportive. If any university time is needed, it is given. If I am finding things very busy support is provided. We all get mentors and buddies for support

Manchester metropolitan university constantly offers support when required. We have a supervisor that comes into work regularly to meet with us and the line managers. Feedback is provided to the employer and back to university. Offers are given if additional support is required if we are finding classes to hard.

Since joining the programme, I have learnt a huge amount and been given amazing opportunities which I would not have had the chance to do before the course. I definitely perform to a much higher standard since being on the apprenticeship. I have learnt how to code and that really benefits my role.

On a social side of things there is always things to do at work. My team go out together at least once a month and as a wider department there is always things going on. There is a real family atmosphere and a feeling like everyone is friends. There is a gym on site too.

Yes

It really is a great place to work. Astrazeneca does look after its employees through the great opportunities available. There is always possibility to move up in role, and if you are not enjoying your current role you are encouraged to look for a move into a new team to ensure you are happy

It is tough, but if you are interested give it a go. If you are interested in IT or business it is great. Astrazeneca has a huge push for innovation and always tries to keep at the leading edge of technology so if you are interested in gadgets go for it