Oncology Apprentice Review

by AstraZeneca

Best Apprenticeship Employer

Rating

9/10

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

50% lab time and 50% time at my desk doing data analysis. My job is varied/no two days are the same as I get to do new experiments and learn new techniques regularly. I interact daily with internal colleagues in my department and across the wider company/global locations.

10/10

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

Both. I've learned new scientific/technical, statistical analysis and computer/software skills. I have also been able to develop existing communication and leadership skills.

10/10

3. To what extent do you enjoy your programme?

I love my programme. My team is incredibly supportive and I am lucky that I get to learn new things and work with new people on a daily basis. The company has far exceeded my expectations.

10/10

4. How well organised/structured is your programme?

The company portion of my apprenticeship is structured brilliantly. I have a mentor in my team and line manager who are both always available for questions etc.

10/10

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

I receive a great deal of support from my employer. I have a mentor and manager who are always available. The HR team etc are also always available through an online system. Not only does my team help me with work concepts but they also help with university work.

10/10

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

The staff from the university are very helpful and available for questions. We also have a university contact who has regular meetings with us to check progress and address any concerns. The learning content, however, can be poorly constructed and should be improved.

7/10

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

I feel that the on-the-job training from AstraZeneca better prepares me for my role than the training provider. The training provider, in an attempt to make the content applicable to every apprenticeship, has created modules that do not allow for broad scientific learning and do not help with my role.

5/10

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.)

We have company networking events, apprenticeship events, team events etc. There are also sports clubs and hobby clubs that are available to everyone.

10/10

9a. Would you recommend AstraZeneca to a friend?

Yes

9b. Why?

The company truly looks after its employees. I have received amazing support and my team has increased my enthusiasm/passion for what we do.

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

Research the company and the job role. AstraZeneca is looking for people who are passionate about the work and what we do.