Operations Management Degree Apprenticeship Review

I am currently in my first year on the Operations Management Degree Apprenticeship at Tutbury Factory. My first placement was in process(specifically the Roasters)where we actually manufacture the coffee. Now I have joined a pillar which works across the whole factory in building technical competency amongst the working groups. Along side this, I have been given projects in Freeze Dried manufacturing and in Dolce Gusto. I tend to spend around 40% of my time on the shop floor which I enjoy and 60% of my time in the office- so it is quite a good split.

I spent 5 months in the roasters where I completed my CBT to qualify to be of operator competency. I have learnt pillar methodology which has helped build my technical competency. I am much more confident speaking in front of others than before I started the scheme. The degree has build my awareness of the wider business environment and the theoretical application to business.

At the start, I felt that it was going at a slower pace than I would've expected in my placement in process. However, this has changed since I started my new placement as I have been given a lot more work and responsibility which I enjoy. I enjoy the variety of the programme in regards to the process, pillar and university 'streams'.

Nestle is a huge company who can afford to look after their employees. Apprentices are a big investment, therefore they do look after us well. All our tuition fees are paid for, along with any travel, food and accommodation costs incurred whilst at university. Also, in our first week we had our induction at Rashleighs training centre which was a really fun and well planned week which really eased us into the business.

As we are the first year they have run this programme, I think it has naturally been a little bit of a bumpy start. However, I know we are feeding back to the Nestle Academy and they are working on ways to improve for the forthcoming years. In general, there is a structure in place but it is also quite flexible depending on which factory you are in and what you want to do.

Sheffield Hallam University are our training provider. Considering the little time we spend there (only one week every 2 months) I do feel that the contact whilst we are there is really good and when we aren't there we know who to contact if we need help. We tend to have two lectures for every module and the class is only 22 people which I find is easier to learn rather than a large lecture theatre.

They give us time at work to complete university coursework. It isn't easy balancing a degree with a full time job, but this does really help as I rarely have to spend my evenings doing coursework after a full day at work. Also, the apprenticeship network is really good as Nestle do have lot of apprentices. We have also been assigned mentors which I know some people have found really beneficial for confidential support.

The starting salary is £16,00 which goes up year on year providing you meet your objectives. Personally, I moved out from home and I am renting a flat with someone else and I have had no financial issues. Considering most students will be in debt from tuition fees, you will be instantly better off financially which is a huge bonus. Also, at university, Nestle pay for good quality accommodation (hotels rather than halls) and a generous allowance for food.

There is a very social working environment particularly in the factory. As they work shifts, they do organise night outs which I have been on even though I am not on shifts. Also, we are part of the school campus team so we get to do to local schools and network with other apprenticeship ambassadors which is really great for the local area.

Yes

Nestle is a huge company which presents a lot of opportunities. This may be within your three years apprenticeship or post graduation. I have already visited other Nestle UK sites which I find really interesting. Hopefully in the future I will get the chance to work abroad. Many people see degree apprenticeships as an alternative to university but I think it is by far the better option financially and to really kick start a good career.

Nestle like to hear examples of how you have proved certain aptitudes. If you do get through to the assessment centre, just make sure you show them your personality, initiative and confidence.