Why did you/your company choose to offer Degree Apprenticeships?

Pharmaceutical Microbiology is a specific skill that is in high demand and difficult to recruit at entry level with the required experience. Apprenticeships are used as one of our recruitment options as it enables us to develop the skills needed whilst studying the theory via the apprenticeship provider. Some of the laboratory-based tasks are suited to the early career candidates and the learning over the four year apprenticeship builds confidence for our apprentices. 

AstraZeneca has used this model for many years through the day release type training, that I did myself with Manchester Met, to the modern apprenticeships we have today. Degree apprenticeships have seen great success across  AstraZeneca, offering us a more diverse opportunity to develop early talent, targeting those individuals who have chosen not to go to university full-time.

What impact have Degree Apprentices had in your organisation?

The impact on microbiology has been twofold.

The impact as a line manager is seen in the reduction of turnover and retention of laboratory staff. Many apprentices have gone on to further careers beyond the microbiology lab and some have moved to senior roles within microbiology.

The work based project requirement of the apprenticeship has allowed us to give focussed time to improvement and scientific projects which are difficult to prioritise in the fast paced business of pharmaceutical testing.

Why did you choose Manchester Met and how have you found working with us?

AstraZeneca chose Manchester Metropolitan University as a provider for the Laboratory Scientist (Bioscience) Degree Apprenticeship due to the relationship established through the Laboratory Scientist (Chemical Science) Degree Apprenticeship already used across our Macclesfield campus. Manchester Met’s north west location supports easy access for our Campus, but it’s hybrid approach of in person and virtual learning also supports flexible delivery and a great student experience for other apprentices across our UK sites.

Would you recommend Degree Apprenticeships and Manchester Met to other employers?

Yes I would, Manchester Met worked with me to ensure the programme fitted the educational needs for our apprentices and they work hard with the employer to ensure any improvements or changes needed are considered and progressed.

Manchester Met is a great university partner to AstraZeneca, working in collaboration to support the learning experiences of our apprentices, including support for our apprentice line managers and mentors.

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