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Early careers at AstraZeneca

Quality Apprenticeship Programme

This apprenticeship programme will not be available for 2025

About the programme

The Quality function in AstraZeneca tests the products we make and then works with Manufacturing to release the products to the market.

Our Quality apprenticeships offer a variety of learning opportunities gaining useable skills whilst working closely alongside industry experts and professionals. To truly unlock opportunity in today’s world, you need the combination of education and hands-on, practical experience that employers are looking for. Our apprenticeships offer just that.

We are offering Laboratory Scientist Apprenticeships within the Quality Control Analytical Chemistry area. You'll be working with scientists across different lab teams to undertake analytical Quality Control testing of raw materials, active pharmaceutical ingredient and/or finished products to ensure patient safety and progress the timely release of our medicines globally.

How does the programme work?

The roles within Quality range from 18 months to 3 years. Please see individual job advertisements for more information. Here, you’ll learn and earn in a supportive team, guided by expert managers, mentors and buddies who will help you develop the skills you seek and push and encourage you to get the most out of your time with us.

How we will support you

AstraZeneca is a huge advocate of early careers and we all want you to succeed. In return for the passion and energy you will bring to the function where you will be based, we will support your apprenticeship all the way and you will be encouraged to fulfil all of your potential. You will have access to excellent development opportunities, playing a crucial role in your team, whilst being supported to network and socialise with your peers so you can see the impact of your creativity and ideas. As you join us, you will be supported by your line manager, a mentor and a buddy from the business. Your buddy will be an existing/ex-apprentice to support your onboarding into AstraZeneca and your role.

Our flexible benefits programme allows you to select your own benefits package based on your personal preferences and circumstances. So, from lifestyle benefits to comprehensive health, pension, insurance and financial plans, you choose the 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 individuals
  • A passion to learn
  • Confidence to work independently
  • Logical thinking
  • The ability to apply a rational approach to problem solving
  • Demonstrable initiative
  • Self-motivation

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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Glassdoor logo Rated four stars on Glassdoor

Great culture, great work assignments, supportive management. Rotation opportunity within the company. They value inclusion and diversity.