Corporate Degree Apprentice Review

I am currently on a 12 month placement within the Wholesale department. My primary role within the team is monitoring our rejection rate this involves being aware of which products we are unable to provide our customers with (these are referred to as rejections) and understanding the reasoning behind the rejection. I have a daily phone call with our customer where I feedback reasons behind any rejections and update them on what we are doing to resolve any issues we may be having.

I have developed and improved many skills since starting my role within Morrison’s. A deeper knowledge and understand of excel is one of the main skills I have learnt since joining my team. I have also improved basic skills such as confidence, communication and working as part of a team. The degree also allows us to gain knowledge and understanding of management theory.

I really enjoy the programme, as we move departments every 6-12 months it is never going to be boring and there will always be something new to learn. Although my role is office based there are plenty of opportunities for me to be away from my desk such as store visits and team support.

I feel really well valued by Morrisons, as a company they put a lot of time and resources into Degree apprentices, not only through sponsoring our degree and CMI qualification but also providing managers and colleagues that are willing to take time out of their day to train us. We are regularly thanked and praised for our work.

The program is organised and structured really well. We are put in placements on 6-12 month blocks to allow us to experience different sections of the business and better develop our skills. We work Monday – Friday and receive half a days study time every week, we then attend university for a week block every 2 month.

My Degree is completed through The University of Bradford. Unlike traditional students we have much smaller classes (Morrisons DA’s only) and therefore lectures are better tailored to support us on an individual bases. Our tutors are always happy to help and respond to queries quickly. The university realise we don’t all live close to campus and therefore allow us to order books from the library to our home address as well as making lots of resources available online.

Morrisons are really supportive, on joining the company we were allocated both a buddy (DA in the year above) and mentor (Head of/executive) to guide and advise us through our apprenticeship. You will also have your department managers and the early careers team who are always happy to help as well. The early careers team organise regular DA catch ups where they check on how we are doing and work with us if we are having an issues.

Morrisons give a competitive salary that increases over the 3 year programme. I have been able to move out of home and live comfortably. The degree is fully funded so there’s no need to worry about tuition fees or university costs. While at university accommodation and travel costs are all paid so there’s no need to worry about money if you live away from campus.

Yes, Morrison’s has a choir and other social groups you can join. As we are members of Bradford University, we can also join any society’s linked with the university. This year we have also been encouraged by Morrisons to participate with voluntary work with the princess trust acting as mentors for local school children.

Yes

Yes, I definitely would recommend Morrisons to a friend. I feel valued and well supported by Morrison’s as company as well as by my colleagues and managers. There are many perks to the scheme such as a sponsored and fully paid for degree, CMI membership, gaining experience that most traditional students wouldn’t be able to alongside earning a competitive salary.

The initial application process is fairly self explanatory, if you pass this part you will then have to complete a situation based questionnaire and video interview. I would recommend researching the company and linking answers back to knowledge of Morrison’s. The final part of the process is the assessment day and interview. This is a long day involving both group tasks and individual activities. Remember not to be put off by lack of experience, as the whole idea of this program is to train you up and give you the experience needed to progress.