Level 6 Digital & Technology Solutions Apprentice

AstraZeneca; Macclesfield; On-site; GBP 2,457,000 - 2,826,000; Full time

Job summary

A global biopharmaceutical company is seeking an Apprentice to join their UK Operations in Macclesfield. This role focuses on building digital solutions, collaborating with cross-functional teams, and improving processes. The Apprentice will gain experience through hands-on projects and be supported in achieving a Level 6 Digital & Technology Solutions qualification. The role offers an engaging opportunity to grow and develop within a company committed to fostering talent and innovation.

Benefits

Full-time salary and benefits fund

Relocation package for eligible candidates

Apprenticeship training sponsorship

Responsibilities

• Build simple apps and dashboards to improve decision-making.
• Work with data using SQL for accurate reporting.
• Prototype in Python to automate tasks.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to meet needs.
• Document and communicate processes clearly.
• Apply lean and agile methods to improve workflow.

Skills

Curiosity and willingness to learn

Basic comfort with data and coding

Problem-solving and attention to detail

Communication and teamwork

Interest in digital, operations, and continuous improvement

Education

5 GCSEs including English, Maths, and IT

3 A levels at Grade BBB or equivalent

Job description

Make the start of your journey a lifechanging one

At AstraZeneca, we put patients first and strive to meet their unmet needs worldwide. We’re deeply committed to our strategy of being a great place to work. For us, that includes fostering an environment where everyone can be among inclusive, supportive individuals with curious minds.

A company that genuinely follows the science and values individuals at all levels, you’ll be backed and encouraged to speak up, ask questions, and share ideas to push the boundaries of science and continuously learn and explore.

UK Operations – Strategy & Change

Role Overview

Join AstraZeneca’s UK Operations as an Apprentice and help build digital solutions that make our work faster, smarter, and more reliable. You’ll join either the Decision Sciences or Lean Digital team, working with people across UK Ops and other parts of the business to deliver measurable improvements.

What you’ll do

• Build simple apps and dashboards: help design, create, and test lightweight tools that make day-to-day work easier and improve decision‑making.

• Work with data using SQL: write and improve queries to pull, clean, and load data so it’s accurate and ready for reporting and analysis.

• Prototype in Python: create and refine scripts or basic models to automate tasks and uncover insights for new operational needs.

• Use modern tools and platforms: explore current technologies to speed up digital delivery and boost performance.

• Collaborate with teams: partner with UK Ops and cross‑functional colleagues to understand needs, gather feedback, and make sure solutions fit the business.

• Document and communicate clearly: write simple guides, share updates, and present your work to technical and non‑technical audiences.

• Apply lean and agile ways of working: learn practical methods to improve processes, deliver in small steps, and continuously get better.

What we’re looking for

• Curiosity and willingness to learn: no prior professional experience required.

• Basic comfort with data and coding: interest in SQL and Python; we’ll support your growth.

• Problem‑solving and attention to detail: enjoy breaking problems down and checking the small things.

• Communication and teamwork: able to explain ideas simply and work well with others.

• Interest in digital, operations, and continuous improvement: motivated by making work better.

How our programme offers these experiences

During this programme, you'll have the opportunity to complete rotation opportunities in different areas of UK Operations, in line with your interests, skills, knowledge and experience. So, whether you’re looking to pursue your passion or are still figuring it out, you’ll find endless opportunities to learn, grow and discover what truly sparks your curiosity and inspires your next step.

In one rotation, you could be a Business Analyst, gathering requirements from our scientists, who are working on a new cancer drug; you may then work with different parts of IT to see how we meet their requirements. On another rotation, as a Project Manager you may be working with our Operations team implementing a technology solution to improve the drug manufacturing process.

Training and Development

AstraZeneca will sponsor you through your Level 6 Digital & Technology Solutions Apprenticeship at NU London.

The apprenticeship combines working, earning a full‑time salary, with fully funded part‑time university learning (on average 1 day per week). This will give you the opportunity to gain a Level 6 Digital & Technology Solutions qualification, just as you would if you went to university full‑time, with the advantage of gaining relevant work‑life skills and the excitement of helping to develop new medicines whilst taking your first steps towards a rewarding career.

We truly value Early Talent– their thoughts, ideas and contributions. Throughout the programme, you’ll be encouraged and inspired to speak up, have a voice and make an impact.

Whichever role you perform, you will

• Build knowledge of your business area & the customer area(s) you are working with. We'll expect you to have an important, contributing role in your team.

• Have support from your line manager, your mentor and your buddy to help you deliver at your best.

• Drive your own development, through formal learning and/or experience.

• Have the ability to build core skills, such as presenting, influencing, partner engagement & management etc.

• Maintain a strong peer network with your fellow apprentices & our other Early Talent employees.

• Explore opportunities to get involved in activities that benefit society and our local areas, such as charity fundraising, helping school leavers decide on their next steps, building exposure of technology to students etc.

• Benefit from working in diverse, global company where we value and embrace the advantage true diversity can bring to a workplace…you may even get the chance to visit your colleagues in other countries.

Skills and Capabilities

We would be looking for the following attributes from our successful applicants:

• A strong desire to learn & a highly organised attitude.

• A real passion for technology and science.

• Quick and agile problem solver.

• The ability to work as part of a team.

• Proven initiative & self‑motivation.

Entry Requirements

5 GCSEs (or equivalent) grades 9 to 4 including English, Maths and IT.

To have achieved or predicted to achieve a minimum of 3 A levels at Grade BBB (120 UCAS points) or equivalent.

Benefits, open and close dates

To apply for this position, please click the apply link.

This is a 4‑year fixed term contract opportunity based at Macclesfield with a starting base salary of £2 457,000 + 11% benefits fund + bonus.

At AstraZeneca, we aim to set you up for success and we recognise the challenges that starting a new job can bring. We therefore offer a relocation package to help with the costs and process of moving for candidates who currently live more than 60 minutes from the site location for this Apprenticeship.

Opening date of advert: 12th January 2026

Closing date of advert: 15th February 2026

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

Should you require any reasonable adjustments or accommodations, please let us know on your application.

Start date for the apprenticeship programme is 7th September 2026.

Equal Opps

AstraZeneca embraces diversity and equality of opportunity. We are committed to building an inclusive and diverse team representing all backgrounds, with as wide a range of perspectives as possible, and harnessing industry‑leading skills. We believe that the more inclusive we are, the better our work will be. We welcome and consider applications to join our team from all qualified candidates, regardless of their characteristics. We comply with all applicable laws and regulations on non‑discrimination in employment (and recruitment), as well as work authorisation and employment eligibility verification requirements.

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

Date Posted: 12-Jan-2026

Closing Date: 14-Feb-2026