Supply Chain Apprentice Review

I am a Supply Chain Apprentice. During my apprenticeship I will learn all aspects of the supply chain, such as procuring the raw materials to make the product, to shipping the product to the customer. I am currently working alongside the Commercial Coordinator to place orders of raw materials. I have many daily interactions both within the company and outside. I meet every morning for a morning meeting with members of the warehouse who will be putting the raw materials away. I also attend meetings with the customers who supply us materials. This helps to get an understanding of the previous stages before we place an order.

I have had the opportunity to learn many new skills, most of which were gained through courses such as, the Operation Excellence foundation course, and the Operational Excellence Greenbelt course. Here I learnt problem solving and root cause analysis skills which can be applied in my day to day job.

I enjoy all aspects of my apprenticeship. I work for a great company and a great team within this. I was welcomed into the team and have learnt a lot from their skills and knowledge. So far the apprenticeship has exceeded my expectations. I have had many opportunities to be involved with many difference things. I have enjoyed it all.

I feel very valued and appreciated by my manager and mentor and the team I work within. I have regular reviews with my manager to confirm that everything is ok. Within the company there is a lot of recognition for people who do a good job. For example, I have been given an ERA award for helping out in careers fairs. This award pays for yourself and other award gainers to go for a meal. I have also won an award for driving a winning performance. This award was to attend the Gran Prix 2013. Things like this help to build teamwork and individual drive.

Within the company the programme of my apprenticeship is well structured. I had a full and indepth induction before coming onto site. This induction included things such as health and safety, security and protection. I also have very structured training in each of my rotations in the team to ensure I learn as much as possible.

At the initial stage my training provider proved to be a disappointment. There was much confusion around the course, such as the length, what was expected of me etc. However, my manager showed me great support and we were able to solve the problems which were preventing me from developing on my course. I now have a new tutor who is supportive to my needs.

I receive all the help and support I need from my manager, mentor, team and company as a whole. I have regular reviews with both my manager and mentor. Here I can highlight any issues or concerns that may be troubling me. They then try their best to solve these issues as quick as possible. I also receive support and guidance to solve problems myself.

Compared to the majority of apprenticeships the GSK salary is generous. However, with costs such as petrol and food raising it is hard to save much money on the apprentice wage. However, once GSK apprentice commence their second year the wage increases and this means we can now save some of our money.

There are various things to get involved with outside of the day job. For example, we have parties for occasions such as Christmas or when it is someone's anniversary working at GSK. We also get involved with local events in the community to represent GSK. All the apprentices often go out for meals together. There is a very friendly and family vibe to working in this company which makes work more enjoyable.

Yes

It is a friendly welcoming company who are striving to find future leaders. If you are willing to work hard GSK will reward your efforts. As GSK is a global company, this means that there are numerous opportunities and development options for your career.

Research the company. Find out as much information about it as possible. This shows that you are interested and willing to do background work. In the initial stages of applying remember to link all your skills to the job you are applying for - make it relevant. If you get the assessment day remember to be confident. You have been chosen to be there because you are one of the best applicants. Be calm, confident and most importantly be yourself.