Talent Acquisition apprentice Review

I rotate around different functions within the talent acquisition function at AstraZeneca, we stay in a team for 3-6 months and take on some projects from start to finish and others we take a small part of a wider team project. We interact with many other colleagues elsewhere in the business daily. We are able to take challenges and given lots of development opportunities

Yes I have learnt lots of new skills in a short period of time and I am constantly given more with every thing I do. I have learnt how to use outlook, excel, word and PowerPoint to a much higher ability than I had before. I have also developed my confidence, and skills to interact in a professional manner.

I enjoy my programme lots! It gives me the ability to gain real life experience in the world of work and gain a qualification. It also allows me to start planning for the future earlier than if I was to attend university as I can save my money to move out and learn if this career is right for me earlier in my life.

My programme is very well organised and structured, when we start we are given a plan of what our 2 years will look like in terms of when we will sit in which team. We are also given objectives during our rotations and overall objectives that help us to learn, be engaged and develop. We are also given the opportunity to explore other areas if it helps with our study or we have an interest

We receive lots of support however I would still say its a big jump from the support you receive whilst you are in full-time mandatory education. The support is very much spoken about however you have to be proactive in asking for it. There are also company schemes to help with mental health.

I dont feel there is much support from our training provider, this may be something I have struggled with coming straight from full time mandatory education so have felt the massive jump, there is definitely an adjustment period that needs to take place. The course by this training provider is all online and pretty much completely independent. We do have a skills coach who is available to contact and we have check ins with them and our managers.

I feel the current things I am learning I have already experienced at a different stage in education. I feel the things I use when doing my studying come mainly from previous knowledge or my work not the studying helping with my performance in my role. I feel my performance is mainly improved by my colleagues and managers within AstraZeneca.

Yes AstraZeneca have an initiative called the social society that brings the social side of university to the apprentice experience. They organise regular events to help you form friendships with your peers outside of work. There is also an apprentice committee who organise regular events within work and networking events. Employee resource groups are also available for all apprentices to join, this allows for networking, increasing knowledge and many other benefits

Yes

AstraZeneca's apprenticeship programmes are looked upon highly by all members of the organisation as we are given responsibility and have made a hugely positive impact on the company. There are many development opportunities and your best interests are at the forefront or your line managers minds which means you can explore opportunities within the company and are always encouraged to take part in things and develop personally.

I would advise you to use AstraZeneca's tips for applying on their careers websites. I would encourage you to research the company and maybe find out something that not many others know in order to make yourself stand out. Sell yourself, everything you have done in your life is useful when applying even if you think it wasnt a big deal! Ask lots of people to look at your CV and get feedback. Create a linkedin account and make connections with those in the organisation. Reach out to people within the organisation to find out more- make yourself known!