Chartered Manager Degree Apprentice Review

Part of the program involves rotating between four functions of the business in 6 month placements. I have just finished my Sales placement,where I was a National Account Assistant. I worked on a top-6 account and was resonsible for ensuring that trade spend was correct, invoices were paid and received on time and any other customer admin requests. On a daily basis I would interact with the customer, my team and the business manager to complete tasks. I am now moving into my MDO (market development organisation) placement where I will get the chance to look at the category from a wider perspective and understand how we can grow this.

There are many opportunites to learn new skills both within your daily role and outside of this. Within my roles I have learned to be more confidence and decisive in my decisions. I have also completed many internal courses such as working in a matrix environment, which was hugely beneficial in preparing me for understanding what the future office enviornemnt could be like. Alongside this, I study for a degree which has taught me many theoritical concepts that I am able to apply to the workplace, such as negotiation.

I really enjoy my program. I am really satisfied with the work aspect of my apprenticeship, I feel valued and able to provide back to the business through projects that I am able to work on. It is slightly challenging studying for a degree also which can be stressful at times!

Recognition at Nestle is really good and I always feel like my input and effort is recognised. Feedback is constantly being asked for as to how recognition could be improved

The program is well structured, sometimes there can be certain areas that aren't clear but as long as you ask someone is always happy to help.

It's diffcult being a distance learner from university. Overall I would say the experience is good but I think more could be done within the first year to help with an understanding of how to make the most of distance learning (library access etc) as this is the most challenging thing to understand as you can sometimes feel isolated from other students at university.

I relocated from the Midlands to Gatwick for the scheme, the salary is good considering that you are not paying any university fees. Although, if you aren't living at home it is diffcult to afford living costs unless you have support/ are sharing but it is do-able.

There is an on-site gym that means you are able to do fitness classes during lunch and after work with your team if you wish. Nestle provides 2 days volunteering leave which is often completed as a team and team meetings/ away days are always well organised and a greeat way to get to know your wider team. The location of the office makes it a little bit difficult to do things after work such as going for a meal with collegues but as there is other things to do I don't really mind this as much.

Yes

Nestle has been a huge growth and development opportunity for me so far. My program has exceeded my expectations of what I would be doing within work and I would recommend to anyone who was thinking of doing a degree program.

Take your time with the application process, be open and honest and relax (as much as you can!). At the assessment centre, use this as an opportunity to meet and interact with others and learn more about the Nestle and what the program can offer you.