Associate Scientist Review

I do analytical chemistry, analysing API and drug product using techniques such as NMR, FTIR, Dissolution, liquid chromatography and water content. I typically work on site, spending about 50% of my time working in the lab and the other 50% in the office, writing up and doing other small jobs.

I've learnt a lot of new skills, especially key analytical skills. I've also developed skills in areas such as public speaking and statistical tools such as Minitab and Excel since they are relevant to my area of work. There are many opportunities for training in specific skill areas.

I work in a very friendly team and enjoy a lot of the work I do, although I would like to gain more experience of working in other teams. I've found that I'm given my 20% uni time with no problems and can always catch up if I miss a week.

The course is well established in the department, meaning I rarely have issues with the apprenticeship from AZ. I have a mentor who ensures that I progress and my team are understanding of how the program works meaning I never have issues if I need to do uni on specific days.

I get really good support from AZ, especially regarding uni work. I rarely have any problems getting my 20% uni time and can ask for more support if needed. I was well accepted into the team as they had previously had an apprentice and it made it easy to transition into working in that environment.

Some elements of the program are well done, however I've found that many of the chemistry based modules are cycled from the chemistry degree, however we very often did not receive the same earlier lectures meaning there are a lot of knowledge gaps. Some of the tutors are great whilst others are less organised.

Overall I didn't do much chemistry early on and there's a lot of theory I've never learnt that would have been useful. Some of the earlier modules were relevant but could have been better spread out. The course has since changed and seems to have a better balance.

There's normally a fair amount of extra-curricular activities through employee resource groups, which often organise social event and learning opportunities. There's also the opportunity to use a volunteering day once a year to help to support the local community which is a great team building activity and I'd recommend taking advantage of it.

Yes

I've had a really great apprenticeship experience here, and I would definitely recommend it. I'd initially been sceptical about working full time instead of going to uni but the experiences I've had here instead have more than made up for the experience I felt I would have been missing out on.

Understanding the values of the company is really important and it's key to understand how they apply to you and what you want to do. Being able to relate your experiences to what is important to the company is going to be something that's assessed in your application and on the assessment day.