Supply Chain Higher Apprentice Review

As part of the scheme I have 4 month placements within different parts of Supply Chain across the site. Depending on the placement, you are set objectives at the start of your placement which you work towards different targets. You are provided with responsibility from the start and will have the opportunity to go to meetings with senior members of staff.

I have learnt an awful lot about both the business and all of the business systems used. On the scheme I feel like I am constantly learning new things and by doing 4 month rotations you learn more about how different departments work. The scheme has also helped develop my confidence.

I am really enjoying my programme, I have had a great first placement in Workforce Planning which was more of a HR role, organising internal training. My current placement in SRP is completely different so I am constantly learning, and I am enjoying the challenge that each new placement brings.

The programme is well organised with placements planned and arranged well in advance to give you enough time to contact your placement manager. The scheme is well structured, unlike other higher apprenticeships, supply chain doesn't have a college day therefore we have a 20% time allowance for revision as well as for stretch activities.

In the early careers team there is a lot of different support available. My Line Manager and Discipline manager are always available for support and regular 1:1 monthly meetings with my discipline manager make it easier to talk about any issues in confidence. Everyone gets paired with a mentor who is available for support throughout the scheme and as part of BAE you can call the Employee Assistance Line for any issues 24/7.

As part of the Supply Chain Higher Apprenticeship we do not have regular college days instead we have a 2 day workshop a month before an exam to answer any questions, so it is mainly self study. To compensate for this there is plenty of support and guidance on the CIPS website through the ADA program

Yes I feel like the CIPS qualification is something that you can apply to your role. In the exam examples are required to answer a question and to show your knowledge, this can easily be picked up form a work environment or form talking to people in the business. However is does depend on your placement.

Yes there is opportunity when you join the business to become a STEM ambassador, know matter what your apprenticeship is in. Being a STEM ambassador gives you the opportunity to do lots of extra curricular activities that you wouldn't get the opportunity to o in a normal working role.

Yes

I have enjoyed working at BAE as you meets lots of new people and everyone is willing to help. You get given lots of opportunities like going on supplier visits and get to experience lots of different aspects from all over the business. There is also lots of support available.

I feel it is important to sell yourself and be as prepared as possible for the assessment centre but everyone there just wants you to do well so try not to let the nerves show. Make sure you meet the minimum grade requirements when applying for a role in the business.