Oncology TDE Apprentice Review

I am an Oncology TDE apprentice and my main role is supporting a variety of oncology projects. My work is split into three sections; bioanalysis, biotransformation and in vitro assays. I spend 4 days a week in the lab and 1 day a week studying with the University of Kent.

I have developed a variety of skills including team-work and organisation. The most useful skill I have developed is confidence, which translates to my day to day work. I have also learnt communication skills, both written and verbal, and how to tailor these skills depending on the audience I am speaking to.

This programme is thoroughly enjoyable as it has allowed me to progress my scientific knowledge via the degree learning. It has also allowed me to progress my practical and industrial knowledge that I would not be able to receive at university alone. The support is excellent and the fast paced yet supportive environment is brilliant.

This programme is very well structured. One day a week is allocated to a study day, which involves online learning via a platform called moodle, alongside further reading. The remaining four days of the week are spent in the company as part of a team, and you engage in their day to day work with your own responsibilities.

AstraZeneca is an extremely supportive company. The line manager offers weekly support, addressing any concerns you have and offering consistent and useful feedback. The supervisor supports your day to day activities and teaches you the practical work you will be doing. The team are all very supportive of your learning and offer their help wherever they can.

University of Kent is very supportive. They have an apprenticeship coordinator who checks in every few months to make sure you are on track. The module convenor is available to contact every weekday and will usually respond to your queries within a day. The student support team also offers great advice.

The qualification is directly related to my role. The first year is spent solidifying the basic A-level knowledge and the next two years help to advance your knowledge. The Chemistry and Biology aspects of the course apply to the fundamentals of how everything in the lab works. It also gives practice with referencing and giving presentations to a scientific audience.

Currently, due to COVID, there are not many activities to attend. However, many virtual events have been organised by AZinspire. AZinspire create events for the younger workers within AstraZeneca such as games nights or murder mystery nights. There used to be lunch time sport clubs and gym groups, and also sports competitions.

Yes

AstraZeneca is an extremely supportive environment. Also, it is fast paced which pushes you to achieve your best. Everyone in AstraZeneca is very eager to help you learn and you will always be able to find support if you need it. Also, being surrounded by industry professionals inspires you to continue in this field.

The best advice is to be yourself throughout the application process, do not just say what you think they want to hear. Also, do your research and make sure this is the right career path for you. It is also good to research AstraZeneca and their values, to make sure you align with them.