Animal Technician Review

by AstraZeneca

Best Apprenticeship Employer

Rating

7.1/10

1. Please give an overview of your role and what this involves on a day-to-day basis:

Daily husbandry of animals - food, water, enrichment. Sitting HO modules to get personal license - training and carrying out licensed procedures. Being study monitor/running studies - admin and procedures.

7/10

2. Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?

I have developed a range of skills, from working as part of a close knit team to carrying out work independently. The thing I have improved the most is my confidence. This has vastly increased from the start of my apprenticeship. Every procedure was new.

8/10

3. To what extent do you enjoy your programme?

I have finished the programme now but I did really enjoy it at the time. It was better than I imagined it to be and helped me become a valued member of a team.

7/10

4. How well organised/structured is your programme?

It was well structured once we had a change in tutor and there was more structure in what we were aiming for.

6/10

5. How much support do you receive from your employer?

I achieved a good level of support, both with training for licensed procedures and being given time to do coursework and being flexible around day release in college.

8/10

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

A good level of support. Regular monthly 121's and catch up meeting. EPA training and coursework.

7/10

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

It helped me gain the basic understanding of working in the industry

6/10

8. Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)

Team spirit events every few months. Apprentice socialising events monthly/bimonthly.

8/10

9a. Would you recommend AstraZeneca to a friend?

Yes

9b. Why?

It is a great company to work for. Has helped me develop technical competence and confidence personally and on the job.

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

To do it as it has helped me a lot both with being in a work environment and my confidence levels. I feel I am a different person now and think the experience was great for me. I would definitely recommend an apprenticeship too as it's on the job learning.