Supply Assistant Review

I am a Supply Assistant. Previously working in the Hair & Sun team, my role was to monitor stock levels on a daily basis, ensuring the right stock is in the right place at the right time for our customers. It also involved monitoring sales plan and laising with suppliers. My role is now in the Supply Support & Development team, where we work on projects to help optimise our supply chain and reduce costs and increase revenue.

I have recieved a lot of training on the systems used within Boots (supply systems etc). Also personal development training from attending experiential events. There is also the opportunity to attend excel courses to enhance your ability. I feel i have developed my knowledge, analytical skills, communication skilsl and my confidence has grown.

I think the programme is great, and the oportunity to move placements really enhances your knowledge of the function you are in. The team are supportive and always want you to develop.

I feel highly valued by Boots as the apprenticeship scheme is treated as a Talent Programme and everyone wants to help you learn and develop. You are treated as a real employee with responsibility in tasks and projects which has helped me develop my supply expertise.

It is great as there are 3 set placements, however they are tailored to the individual. There are also experiential days throughout the year which support the group and tackle any problems. The only negative would be the training recieved. The training itself is of high quality however is spread out over 5 weeks, therefore you are already working on some of the tasks in your day job before you have recieved formal training on it. However, the training did then provide clarity and a greater understanding. The College sessions are also really good and you are given enough time to complete both NVQ and Assignment work.

A lot of support is recieved from Babbington Business College. Our tutor is extremely helpful in tailoring feedback to the needs of the individual and plays to everyones individual learning styles.

There is support from Boots as we have quarterly apprentice check-ins with the HR team where we see how everyone is. The managers are also really supportive, offering regular 1:1 updates to support your progress.

The salary is attractive, and works for me personally. However i feel for some individuals who have had to relocate it wont be as luxury.

There are great CSR activities, however i feel there could be more apprentice specific things. We are getting together to see how we can make Boots an even better place to work for apprentices, therefore i feel this may improve as a result of this.

Yes

Boots offer a great scheme to enter the business after completing A levels. You then get a chance to do a real role with responsibilities and a focus on development. There are also many oportunities to then move up a level after you have completed the apprenticeship, providing you perform well.

I will give others applying more information on the specific areas of the company you will have the chance to apply for. Although in the selection process many people ended up in a different function to which they applied for, and seem to enjoy it, i feel a greater insight into the area would be beneficial to prepare for when starting the job. The application process is fairly simple, and you are treated the same as any other potential employee. The advice i would give is to prepare and be yourself.