Click below to hear about Charlotte’s experiences of apprentice life and the benefits that her apprenticeship has brought to her career with AstraZeneca.
Charlotte talks about how she completed her level 4 apprenticeship and moved on to the level 6 where she is studying BSc (Hons) Professional Practice and Supply Chain Leadership.
I am Kate and I am a first year Supply Chain Degree Apprentice at AstraZeneca, studying for my BSc in Professional Practise in Supply Chain Leadership at Leeds Trinity University.
The Supply Chain Apprentice at AstraZeneca is 4 years and covers a different role each year. You take part in rotations all along the Supply Chain, from learning how to be a Material Planner, to being part of the distribution team. This allows you to really find the field you are most interested in, so you can tailor your future career options with confidence.
Why did I choose to do an apprenticeship and not go to university?
Some people close to me had done Level 3 Apprenticeships, and were doing incredibly well for themselves, but not only that, they felt satisfied. That was the key. Satisfaction. So, I immediately started looking for high level apprenticeships. Work experience, a degree, networking opportunities, financial benefit, and a topic that I was enthused about; it all sounds too good to be true I know!
How do I manage working and studying at the same time?
AstraZeneca helps you find what kind of learner you are, and what are the best times for you to plough through those assignments. For me, I may complete my job, and then do a few hours of university work at night, so my 20% off the job study time (1 day a week) is for polishing and perfecting things I have done throughout the week.
What is it like working at AstraZeneca?
Like a big family! I love my team, and they look after me so well. Unfortunately I have not yet been on site due to COVID, but with how well things are going virtually, I can only imagine how amazing it will be when I finally get to go into work.
What is the most prominent thing you’ve learnt at AstraZeneca so far?
That I can message or email absolutely anybody in the company for help, advice, information. This company is inclusively collaborative. I have been able to reach out to so many industry experts, people that you would simply be unable to contact if you just went to university. For that reason alone, this apprenticeship is extremely valuable to catapult me into my career after graduation.
