Supply Chain Management Higher Apprentice Review

My current role within Rolls-Royce is a Supply Chain Lead. This role involves managing parts from 2 different suppliers in the NPI (New Product Introduction) stage, as they come into Rolls-Royce in their development stages. Other responsibilities in my role include mapping new supply chains through Value Stream Maps and Global Physical Logistics Maps

I have leant and developed many new and existing skills throughout my time at Rolls-Royce , through on the job learning of industry terms, roles, knowledge, and experience; to qualifications such as a BA (Hons) in Management and Leadership at Nottingham Trent University, and a level 5 NVQ in Supply Chain Management.

Overall, on any given day, I would say that I rate my programme a 7.5/10. However, this is totally subjective to the placement that I am in at that time, as a big influence on how much I enjoy my job is how well I get on with the team that I am in, and the work that I am doing. I will say that this apprenticeship has met all of my expectations and more, with the amount of benefits, support, and employee appreciation that Rolls-Royce holds to be the best of its kind.

I feel quite valued within Rolls-Royce, however again, this can be subjective to your placement and line manager at the time. Although, almost all managers that I have had experience with have been very appreciative and supportive of my work and development in the company; and also understand that I am still only an apprentice, and will not have the knowledge or skills of a full time employee.

Ignoring small hiccups, the structure of my apprenticeship is quite immaculate, and at the start of the apprenticeship, you are made aware of the different jobs that you will be going into throughout your apprenticeship and when. The introduction to my apprenticeship spans over 6 weeks, and involves tours of the different facilities in Rolls-Royce's Derby site; as well as talks and training from both internal employees and externally hired training staff. This introduction is planned and ran by the 2nd year apprentices, which gives you a good task of trying to plan and organise 6 weeks of activities in your second year.

One support system that is available to you at Rolls-Royce is the 'buddy' system, which assigns and apprentice on the previous years intake to you for any questions that you have or support you need, that can be provided by somebody who has been through the same career path. Other support systems available are your university mentor, NVQ assessor, line manager, or help support lines which Rolls-Royce offer.

My ADL (Apprenticeship Development Leader) is very busy and has to manage a lot of apprentices. This means that I rarely get to meet with her for review meetings or support: however, if I need help, she will be there to support.

My salary is comfortable for my current situation. However, I still live at home and so do not have to pay as much rent as if I was living alone or in a house share. Travel costs to my university and when travelling off site are covered through Rolls-Royce expenses which is good, however, we only recently got told this, after having been told for the past year and a half that they weren't covered: which is frustrating. Annual/biannual pay rises throughout the apprenticeship help too.

Yes, there are an endless amount of opportunities outside of work. Some of these include volunteering at STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering & Maths) events; the AGA (Apprentice & Graduate Association), which hosts different social and sporting events for all RR apprentices and grads; volunteering at career events around the country, and more.

Yes

Because of all of the above, and the amount of opportunities that you are provided with at work. Also the level of trust and belief that you are given in work is to the highest standard, which makes you feel valued and motivated at work.

Don't be afraid to be yourself on your application and at your assessment centre, as at the end of the day, if you don't get the job then you'll never see any of those people again, and if you do get the job then you must have done something right