Level 4 Sustainability Apprentice

AstraZeneca; Macclesfield; On-site; GBP 24,000 - 29,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading pharmaceutical company in Macclesfield is offering a Level 4 Sustainability Apprentice position aimed at engaging young talent in sustainability efforts. This role involves setting sustainability targets and measuring progress within their major campus operations. Ideal candidates should possess a keen interest in sustainability, strong organizational skills, and good communication abilities. The apprenticeship provides a unique opportunity to gain on-the-job experience while studying for a Level 4 qualification in Corporate Responsibility and Sustainability. Training and mentorship are provided, making it a significant step towards a career in sustainability.

Benefits

Full-time salary

11% benefits fund

Bonus eligibility

Relocation package

Training and mentorship

Responsibilities

• Learn how to set sustainability targets, deliver projects, measure progress, and report status.

Skills

Interest in sustainability

Curiosity and willingness to learn

Organization and attention to detail

Communication skills

Teamwork

Education

5 GCSEs including English and Maths

Minimum of 1 A level or equivalent

Job description

Level 4 Sustainability Apprentice

Macclesfield, UK

Starting base salary of £24,570 + 11% benefits fund + bonus

Human health is closely linked to a healthy planet. At Macclesfield, we’re delivering ambitious sustainability goals: decarbonising our operations and supply chain, partnering to drive actions to accelerate net‑zero healthcare, and actively managing our dependencies and impacts on nature while investing in biodiversity and reforestation.

Recognising the interconnection between business growth and addressing the major health challenges of our time, our Sustainability strategy focuses on how we do business and how we make a positive impact – for the health of people, society and the planet.

Make the start of your journey a life‑changing one

As part of our Early Talent Programme, you’ll be involved in Macclesfield campus Sustainability strategy focussing on Facilities Management and Operational sustainability.

This is an opportunity to learn how to set sustainability targets, deliver projects, measure progress, report status and communicate successes on sustainability our campus, to the wider AstraZeneca network and to external stakeholders.

Macclesfield Infrastructure Development (MID) is the group that designs, builds and maintains the campus buildings and services. You’ll see how sustainability is applied day‑to‑day to lower the environmental impact of the UK’s largest pharmaceutical site.

What you’ll do:

• Learn how to set sustainability targets, deliver projects, measure progress and report status to the wider AstraZeneca network and external stakeholders.

What we’re looking for:

• Interest in sustainability and the environment: motivated to make a measurable impact.
• Curiosity and willingness to learn: no prior professional experience required.
• Organisation and attention to detail: comfortable tracking tasks, data, and timelines.
• Communication skills: able to explain findings simply to technical and non‑technical audiences.
• Teamwork: enjoy collaborating with people from different functions.

What you’ll get:

• Hands‑on experience: applying sustainability across a major, real‑world campus.
• Training, mentorship, and support: from the Infrastructure Development team.
• Exposure to varied operations: (R&D, manufacturing, facilities) and how sustainability fits in each.
• Skills for a long‑term career: in sustainability, operations, or facilities management.

Location

The Macclesfield Campus is an essential part of AstraZeneca’s UK Operation and the 2nd largest operational site within the company’s global network. It covers approximately 100 acres with over 5,000 people working on site. The site is unique in the AstraZeneca network, providing an opportunity to engage in medical research and development, product design, medicines manufacturing and packing as well as a wide range of corporate support functions.

You will be based in AstraZeneca’s Macclesfield Infrastructure Development (MID) in the heart of the campus, designing, building and maintaining the buildings and services around the campus. You’ll understand how sustainability works in practice to reduce the environmental impact of the UK’s largest pharmaceutical site.

Training and Development

AstraZeneca will sponsor you through your Level 4 Sustainability Professional Apprenticeship at LDN Apprenticeships. The apprenticeship combines working, earning a full‑time salary, with fully funded part‑time learning (on average 1 day/week). This gives you the opportunity to gain a Level 4 Corporate Responsibility & Sustainability qualification, with relevant work‑life skills and the excitement of helping develop new medicines while taking your first steps toward a rewarding career.

Skills and Capabilities

• Individuals who have an interest in and passion for sustainability.
• Enthusiastic individuals keen to learn and with genuine curiosity.
• Able to act independently but also to work and contribute in a team environment.
• Good organisational skills with excellent attention to detail and a proactive approach to problem solving.
• The ability to work on multiple tasks and prioritise.
• Excellent verbal and written communication and interpersonal skills.

Entry Requirements

5 GCSEs (or equivalent) grades 9 to 4 including English and Maths. To have achieved or predicted to achieve a minimum of 1 A level (32 UCAS points) or equivalent at Grade C.

Dates

Opening date: 12 January 2026

Closing date: 15 February 2026

Successful candidates will be asked to attend a virtual Assessment Day during week commencing 9 March 2026.

Start date for apprenticeship programme: 7 September 2026.

Relocation package available for candidates living more than 60 minutes from the site.

Equal Opportunities

AstraZeneca embraces diversity and equality of opportunity. We are committed to building an inclusive and diverse team representing all backgrounds, with a wide range of perspectives. We welcome and consider applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of characteristics. We comply with all applicable laws and regulations on non‑discrimination in employment and with work authorisation and employment eligibility verification requirements.

These positions are not open to those already educated to Bachelor's degree level or above – for which we have specific Graduate Programmes. See our website for more details: https://careers.astrazeneca.com/students

Note: These positions are under the early talent programme and not open to those with a Bachelor’s degree or higher.