Supply Chain Management Apprentice Review

I am currently working in the inventory department on a warehouse site. This involves assisting the Inventory Manager with his day to day tasks, shadowing areas I don't know yet and having ownership of a few smaller areas in the department to start my journey in logistics.

I have learnt a lot about the WMS that our site uses which I have no prior knowledge in. I have gained knowledge on inventory control techniques and outbound processes. I have delivered presentations in front of peers, the client and even students which is a skill I wanted to develop.

I thoroughly enjoy the course. I have had opportunities to do many different things already in just my first year but with ample support and not enough to be overwhelmed with. The managers have been very kind and supportive and have a good understanding of what I need and can do as an apprentice. There are so many different avenues to go down if you decide you're not enjoying something.

It is quite well organised. There are site visits and interactive networking days for the apprentices which are organised by the early talent manager to break the ice and for us to get to know each other better which has proven to be really beneficial. There wasn't really much of a plan for me work wise when I first joined, I was just put wherever the site needed an extra body. The university course itself is structured well with regular lectures and work set by the university - there is always an assignment to do (once one is submitted, the next is set). The one day a week for university works well at the moment whilst you are in first year.

The managers and colleagues at my site specifically are very supportive of what I do. I have a manager who graduated from the same degree apprenticeship just before I enrolled so she has an amazing understand of anything I may need. Our employer also provides a 'buddy/mentor' for you so you have someone to talk too away from your manager about any concerns you have and any help you need with anything to help you get settled in the first few months. There is also the chance to escalate to senior managers in the early talent and apprenticeship team should you need too.

The lecturers I have had so far at Aston University for my course have been so welcoming and lovely. They are always ready to help and love being asked questions. Most of them give the impression they really want to see you thrive in your role and you can tell they are passionate about what they are teaching. There has been a real effort made by all to be more personable and make the lectures interactive to get you thinking for yourself rather than just throwing material at you. That said, that can be difficult at times when its a topic you know nothing about - however they are very understanding of this!

I can relate what I learn at university back to what I see on site, even things I was unaware of before. The jargon surrounding warehousing and transport that gets used at work makes a lot more sense. It also gave me a greater understanding that not every warehouse works the same way my site's does, which has pushed me to think of ideas and things we could change at our site to improve. The assignments sometimes relate directly to the company you work for which forces yo to really research and understand what the company is like. The modules are all key skills you need in any logistics role so I bring a lot back from university to work.

There are sometimes networking events, especially for the apprentices whether it be just with each other or meeting other members of the company worldwide. I was able to attend a women's empowerment networking conference where people in different roles across the world could attend. There are also sometimes charity football games which colleagues sign up to take part in. As well as that, each site usually makes an effort to celebrate certain national holidays such as weird sock day, christmas jumper day, pancake day etc.

Yes

Managers here have a wealth of experience which is great to harness on to improve your own knowledge of the logistics industry. You will be supported within your role and there are so many different departments to develop your knowledge and skills in.

Show initiative from the start and be pro active.