22-year-old Sarah Duffy has successfully become employed full time as an operating technician at AstraZeneca, after completing her apprenticeship
How long have you worked for AstraZeneca? What do you enjoy about your role?
I started working for AstraZeneca (AZ) in September 2019 and I enjoy the practical side of my role as there are always new things to learn and opportunities to improve my skills. It’s a very inclusive work environment and my shift team have been extremely helpful in supporting my journey since starting my apprenticeship. We are all treated equally and work very effectively as a team.
Why did you choose to do this particular apprenticeship in what could be perceived as a male-dominated environment?
I’d spoken to people who worked here and saw how proud they were having made a difference in producing medicines that can save lives. I could gain a qualification whilst working, learning both practical and life skills. I chose this apprenticeship as it was different to the other jobs I’d looked at, and I wanted to explore whether this could be the job for me or not. I don’t think that people should steer away from applying for perceived male dominated jobs, as there are no differences between the tasks being performed. If it is something you are interested in, you should go for it regardless of whether it may be more female or male dominated.
What would you say has been the most interesting/rewarding work-based experience you have been involved in and why?
I work on a production line, which has been involved in a large project aiming to reduce task times, so we are able to produce more product for the patient on a daily basis. It was rewarding to be part of the team to help improve the efficiency of the line, seeing the benefits of our work come to fruition, and the improvements are soon to be implemented across the whole of packing. I have been able to give my input on many areas of this project and have led a number of activities surrounding this.
What plans do you have for the future?
I have now completed my college course, which was a level 3 diploma and have now successfully been taken on as a full time employee within manufacturing as an operating technician. I look forward to progressing in my new role and learning new skills on the line.
To find out more about apprenticeships at AstraZeneca, visit careers.astrazeneca.com/early-talent
