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Early Careers at AstraZeneca

Engineering Apprenticeship Programme

Applications will open on 12th January 2026

About the programme

We have Engineering Maintenance Technician Apprenticeship’s in several different areas within our business. As part of our Early Talent Programme, you’ll be involved in projects and learning opportunities that have real impact from day one.

The Engineering Maintenance Technician Apprenticeship programme is designed to build the technicians and engineers of the future. Engineering apprentices play a hugely important role at AstraZeneca, solving challenges that arise from some of the most advanced equipment in the industry.

As an Engineering apprentice, you'll be required to maintain complex equipment and ensure that high standards are adhered to for safety, manufacturing quality and documentation.

How does the programme work?

In the first year, you’ll spend most of your time at college, studying theory elements of the apprenticeship and gaining some practical hands-on experience. In subsequent years, you’ll continue one day a week at college while learning new skills as part of an engineering team on site. In addition to the valuable working experience you'll study towards professional qualifications, including a BTEC Level 3 Diploma in Engineering and then a HNC Level 4 in engineering.

We will consider your entry qualifications and will support the next level of academic study (which may be HND or above). If you show the qualities we are looking for you may be offered the opportunity to go on to study for a Degree in engineering.

How we will support you

We’re huge advocates of early careers, and we all want you to succeed. Bring us the passion and energy and we’ll support you all the way, encouraging you to fulfil all your potential.

You’ll get excellent development opportunities and play a crucial role in your team. We’ll also help and encourage you to network and socialise with your peers so you can see the impact of your creativity and ideas.

From day 1, your line manager, a mentor and a buddy from the business will be there to support you. As an existing or ex-apprentice your buddy will really help you to immerse yourself in the company and your new role.

You’ll also select your own benefits package with our flexible benefits programme. From lifestyle benefits to comprehensive health, pension, insurance and financial plans, you choose the right package for you. And if you change your mind the following year, you can adapt it. For more information, please click here.

Where you will be based

We have roles available at our Macclesfield campus.

Essential requirements

What we're looking for:

  • Enthusiastic people with a passion to learn
  • Quick and agile thinkers
  • Logical thinkers who can use their initiative
  • Rational problem solvers
  • Self-motivated people confident of working independently

Please see individual job advertisements for specific educational requirements.

Parents, Carers and Teachers

For information that may be useful to parents, carers and teachers please visit this page.

Our commitment to inclusion and diversity

Our mission is focused on creating an inclusive and equitable environment, where people feel they belong.
To find out more about our inclusion and diversity policy, click here.

Our latest Early Talent opportunities

View all of our Early Talent opportunities

Our recruitment process

Curious to find out what happens after you apply? learn more about the process you'll go through and get some hints and tips here.

Apprenticeship Application Roadmap

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Learn more about AstraZeneca’s Apprenticeship Programme.

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Great culture, great work assignments, supportive management. Rotation opportunity within the company. They value our people.