Manufacturing Apprentice Review

No day is the same at AstraZeneca as a Manufacturing Apprentice. The aim of the apprenticeship is to move around different manufacturing areas within AstraZeneca such as Packing, Inspection, Processing and Warehouse and gain knowledge and experience in these areas. Another aim of the apprenticeship is to be able to support and work along side experienced pharmaceutical professionals.

Through the Manufacturing Apprenticeship I have gained so many new skills and developed on a large amount of existing skills. The first thing I learnt was the value of asking questions. Asking a questions are so important, it makes you look interested, you gain knowledge and it also tests the other person you are asking. Other skills I have learnt are working in a sterile environment and adapting to the aseptic behaviours.

I enjoyed most parts of my apprenticeship. It was eye opening to see an insight into the world of work and the behaviours in which people use. I gained a lot of experience that I can use in every day life and at work. It was scary at first as it is something new that most teenagers have not experienced before.

I will always remember my first two weeks at AstraZeneca. These weeks were so helpful and made me feel at ease. The first two week were full of activities and getting to know the site, other apprentices and your work area. The second week we learnt about behaviours in the work place and how to present in front of a large group. However, the third week was the first week we went working in our teams we had been allocated to, for me this was not the best experience as a new starter. This is because my team had no idea I was coming. I felt like a spare part as I was unable to do anything. I spent a lot of time on the computer until I was able to help.

My manager was very supportive throughout my apprenticeship, especially towards the end. He would email me to check up to see how I was doing, check up with college to make sure I was on track and always asked to meet for regular meetings. College was also supportive again more towards the end of the apprenticeship. However, most of the support came from the people you worked along side with. In my experience everyone was so happy to see me succeed and they were so supportive with any questions or queries I had.

College wasn't easy. It was daunting as it was a new place, learning completely new things. For me personally it was learning from scratch - I had no prior experience or knowledge in the subjects. However, the college tutors made it so much easier. One tutor in particular would make sure everyone in the class understood before moving on, and if it took a little longer they would use their spare time to help.

When I first started at college it was very confusing as I felt learning about cars, planes and trains was very far from what I was doing at work. However, I now realise that I have used similar engineering parts in work which have related back to college work. Also my health and safety knowledge is much better than it would have been without health and safety. Communication for engineers was also helpful as it was also about CVs, personal statements - which helped in trying to find a job.

AstraZeneca is a big site and have many extra-curricular activities in which all members of staff can get involved in. AstraZeneca also take these opportunities to help charities. Bingo, quiz nights, film nights - all the money goes to charities. AstraZeneca also like to put together football games for a bit of healthy competition between plants.

Yes

AstraZeneca is an amazing place to work. It can bring you so many life skills that you never thought you would need or want. It gives you a warm welcoming into the world of work especially if you are a student or a young talent. There are so many benefits which come with working at AstraZeneca.

Don't be afraid to ask questions. Don't be afraid to speak up if unsure about something or you feel something is being done wrong. Do show off your skills - Make sure AstraZeneca know exactly who they are employing. Let them know your qualifications you have achieved. Try and get in touch with the hiring manager to show your interest.