Manufacturing Degree Apprenticeship Review

I spend time in all the different departments within the manufacturing site that I work on, this means that I get an understanding of the full process, My day can be anything from working on a line to getting involved in projects that can have a large influence over the site. Projects that I have completed have allowed me to see the whole process of a product 'from field to fork'. So I have seen animals in a field, go through the manufacturing process, the distribution and the sale of the product to customers. This has allowed me to develop a real understanding of how Morrison's works.

I have learnt many business skills, from email etiquette, to how to act in meetings and voice my opinion. Working with Morrison's has also helped me to develop my listening skills and teamwork skills, as this is vital in a factory environment. Finally, the nature of line work has also allowed me to develop my problem solving skills, as small problems can quickly lead to large hold-ups on the line. I have also received lots of training such as level 2 food safety, and a managers health and safety course.

The Morrison's manufacturing degree apprenticeship is perfect for me as no two days are the same, and there's always work to be done, so you are constantly kept busy. I get to study for a degree whilst also getting work experience, and the scheme gives us study days, this allows me to have a good work-life balance. The scheme provides so many opportunities, and allows you to work in places all over the country.

The site gave me a detailed induction plan that allowed me to get settled into the site and to know the different departments. I have regular meetings with my line leader to track my progress and check that I am happy with everything that I'm doing, as well as with the site manager and the course leader. I also have a mentor that can help me get subject specific information for university study, and track my progress with. Furthermore, at the start of the induction we were given a general plan of what the 3 years will look like (e.g. when we will be at university and rough guides to when we will be in stores and supporting at Flower World). We haven't received definite dates/where we will be based, but are given a general overview.

I have regular meetings with many people within Morrison's to check that I am happy in my role and am not having issues. I have a line leader that helps schedule my week and gives me access to the different departments. I have a mentor who ca give my exposure to more senior managers and Morrison's specific information for university study. We also have monthly conference calls with the head of the scheme to track our progress. However, part of the business experience is knowing when you need support and having the confidence to ask for it, so we are given many contacts of people that have the ability to help us with any issues that we have.

We are only at university for a week at a time, this means that we don't have the same access to university material as full-time students, however the university has helped combat this by offering us degree-apprentices longer borrowing times of books from the library as well as postal returns. The tutors are also more than happy to arrange calls and and answer emails on any questions that we have. The week at university is often a nice change from normal work, and a chance to talk to other degree apprentices and compare what everyone has been doing.

Having higher education knowledge that I can apply in the workplace can be a real advantage as it can allow me to make much more informed decisions. On the other end, seeing something that I've learnt at university at work can give me a better understanding of the topic, which can help when writing assignments, or in exams.

There are activities outside of work at my site such as a women's support group (which helps women subject to language barrier learn skills to help them at our site), there are also social activities such as a children's Christmas party and a family BBQ in summer. There are less activities aimed at people my age on the site. We do have access to a more professional networking service through our CMI membership.

Yes

I would recommend this scheme to anyone that is looking for a way of developing themselves professionally and personally, who is happy to work hard and is looking for responsibility. And doesn't want to spend all day in a classroom, but still gain higher education knowledge. No two days are the same, which makes the scheme a much better experience. The scheme provides you with so many opportunities and you gain amazing experience, including management experience at an early point in your career.

I would say make sure that you be yourself, be happy and approachable, be confident in what your saying. Learning things about the company beforehand can give you a real advantage and shows that you have an interest in what you're applying for. Don't be afraid to ask questions if you don't understand. Finally enjoy the day, even if things don't work out your way the process is a great experience!