Chemical Engineering - Macclesfield - Work Experience

Year 12 Work Experience Programme

Chemical Engineering - Macclesfield

About AstraZeneca

AstraZeneca is a global, science-led biopharmaceutical company that focuses on the discovery, development, and commercialisation of prescription medicines in Oncology, Rare Disease, and Biopharmaceuticals, including Cardiovascular, Renal & Metabolism and Respiratory & Immunology.

Headquartered in Cambridge, UK, AstraZeneca has a strong global presence with 6 strategic R&D centres in the US, UK, Sweden and China, and 30 manufacturing sites across 17 countries. Its innovative medicines are sold in more than 125 countries and used by millions of patients worldwide.

Our R&D focuses on delivering life-changing medicines for todays highest unmet medical needs and investing in transformative technologies to pioneer next generation solutions for tomorrow and the day after. By partnering across industries and borders, we collaborate and pursue opportunities to access the best science, fostering innovation and co-creating solutions that meet patients needs.

We create great employee experiences that ignite innovation, unite diverse talent and unlock capacity. We do this by being champions of inclusion and diversity and fostering personal growth and enterprise leadership.

Programme description

During the work experience placement, you will experience:

An introduction to the pharmaceutical industry.

Application of STEM subjects to drug development and manufacturing.

Tours of our world-class laboratories and manufacturing facilities.

An introduction to common processing steps and equipment in the pharmaceutical sector (including batch vs continuous chemistry, types of chemical reactors, heat transfer principles, fluid flow, process safety, and process scale up).

Practical demonstrations related to A-Level Chemistry.

Career advice from those currently working for AstraZeneca plus a chance to chat with the current cohort of the apprenticeship scheme, industrial placement students, and graduates.

What knowledge/skills will you gain?

Understanding of what it takes to deliver a new medicine to the market.

Difference between Drug Substance & Drug Product.

Awareness of roles based on STEM in AstraZeneca, and the different entry points.

Application and development of STEM knowledge and skills.

Experience the workplace environment whilst making new friends.

What we wont cover

Target selection and Discovery Science around how the medicine works.

Biology/Pharmacy/DMPK/Clinical Trails.

Programme information

AstraZeneca has an exciting opportunity for 1 x one-week unpaid work experience placement based at our Macclesfield site. The placement dates are as follows:

Monday 6th July to Friday 10th July 2026

Working hours will be 9 am to 4 pm*

(* Monday will be 8:30 am start to allow time to register with reception)

Who can apply?

To be eligible to apply, students must be in Year 12, studying Maths and Chemistry, plus one other relevant science-based subject such as Further Maths, Biology or Physics A-Level, and wanting to have a career based around STEM.

How to apply?

Please complete the application questionnaire and attach a copy of your CV.

Applications will close on 15th February 2026

#Earlytalent

Date Posted

09-Jan-2026

Closing Date

15-Feb-2026

Our mission is to build an inclusive and equitable environment. We want people to feel they belong at AstraZeneca and Alexion, starting with our recruitment process. We welcome and consider applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of characteristics. We offer reasonable adjustments/accommodations to help all candidates to perform at their best. If you have a need for any adjustments/accommodations, please complete the section in the application form.