Oncology Apprentice Review

I am an apprentice lab scientist. I spend about 50% of my time doing lab work and 50% of my time doing data analysis.

I have learned and continue to learn new skills on a daily basis. I have learned new experimental techniques, how to work with different machinery, improved my IT skills and also improved my presentation skills.

I love my programme, the team that I work with encourage me to continuously learn and develop. I get a lot of support through AstraZeneca and I really enjoy coming into work every day!

My programme is very well structured.

I get a lot of support from my employer. My team is incredibly supportive and helps me to learn/progress in my job but they will also sacrifice their time to help me with university work when required. The company itself also has facilities in place to support with mental health, professional development, etc.

My training provider is not brilliant with support. They tend not to respond to questions in a timely manner and I have to badger them for responses.

I feel that the training provider should change focus and really cover the core sciences rather than adding in business development courses, etc. I feel that it is the on-the-job learning that really helps me perform better in my role.

Absolutely! We have sport teams and professional networks. There is an early career network that provides professional development opportunities, networking events and also conducts social activities.

Yes

I love my apprenticeship at AstraZeneca. The work we do is incredibly interesting and dynamic and has the benefit of helping patients/having a real impact. My team is full of geniuses, but they are really supportive of me and my desire to learn/progress. I cannot recommend the apprenticeship here highly enough, it has been a fantastic experience!

Do your research and show how passionate you are about the science/work that we do.