Quality Practitioner Apprentice Review

I work in the quality systems team which includes aspects of quality documentation (issuing logbooks, archiving, ensuring the site is compliant with global procedures) and quality information systems (supporting changes to the systems, conducting periodic user reviews to make sure correct people have access to systems). Continuous improvement is also important and looking for ways to improve processes is therefore part of my day-to-day.

I have gained many professional skills such as time/energy management, presenting skills, networking skills via Personal Effectiveness sessions. I have learnt how to deliver sessions to school aged children about STEM careers through SIP Ambassador training. I have developed a knowledge of GMP ways of working and some of the regulations that govern the pharma industry.

I enjoy the culture within AstraZeneca, there are lots of enrichment opportunities which show the company cares about more than just working, for example, a recent talk on Nutrition for Wellbeing was held with an external speaker. Everyone I have met has also been lovely and everyone is willing to help you whenever necessary.

During the first week my time was mostly filled with induction session with all of the other new starter apprentices which was a nice way to ease in to working. I have a 1:1 with my manager weekly which I appreciate as it gives a chance to talk through anything I have on and get help (I can ask for help at any point but it's nice to have time put aside for that specifically). I have a chosen day dedicated to study each week to ensure I can get all my work done. I think it's a well structured program.

I receive lots of support from everyone, particularly my manager who when I first started would message multiple times a day for help and he was always will to do so. My team have been supportive in helping to train me in work activities as well as helping with my apprenticeship course work - they have proof read my essays and gone through thing with me to help.

My training provider mentors are really friendly and I would never hesitate to ask for help - during sessions they are very supportive and will always stay on after the session to answer any questions you may have that haven't come up during the session. My cohort is very small so we have a WhatsApp group in which we can get help from each other so it's rare I will have to reach out to my mentors.

My apprenticeship sessions give me a high level view of quality, it allows me to see why we do things the way we do at AstraZeneca. I think it gives me a good knowledge of my industry which would definitely help me if I want to progress within this department.

There are lots of company activities happening all the time from STEM session (where someone will discuss what is going on within their team - usually from the labs) to Pilates sessions during Earth week. I have also volunteered to organise Pride Month and have recently started an Apprentice Social Society.

Yes

A good work culture and lots of fun things to get involved with that aren't just work. Everyone is really friendly. You get the feeling that the company cares about its staff. It's also very rewarding to work for a company that's improving peoples lives with medicines.

Research AstraZeneca and their values; we put the patient first; we play to win; we follow the science; we do the right thing; we are entrepreneurial. Make sure you align with these and think about ways you demonstrate that. Be prepared for your interview - they'll send an info pack before had which will be very useful.