Operations Degree Apprentice Review

I am in Manufacturing predominantly. My experience so far hasn't been what was sold to me when I applied, tasks have not particularly strretched me, nor have I had much exposure to the wider business. My tasks generally involve predominantly research and admin based tasks to support the department. I have to interact with people from every level of the business, with limited external interaction.

The main skill I have developed is time managament. I have to find time to balance both a degree, and a full time role, before I even think about my personal life. Therefore, getting things done as quickly and as efficiently is my priority, and I have got better at. Another is communication, I have learnt how to deal and respond to different people with different backgrounds, from all levels of the business. A key skill I have learnt is Food Safety, and how to keep our product safe. I have learnt very little in terms of job focussed skills.

I don't particularly enjoy my programme at all, I feel that there is no future succession plan for me, and the business don't really know what to do with me or where I will be in 5 years time. This makes it difficult to focus on the job. My experience in the business is also not what it was sold as, myself and other cohort members were under the impression that the course would be very holisitc, including experience in several parts of the business. In reality, this has not been the case as the majority of my time has been spent in one department, where I am not used.

Initially, very well. The first year was clear, organised and it showed. I very much enjoyed the first 10 moths. Courses that had been planned were available, various projects were lined up, and visits to other locations were possible. Latterly, the organisation and structure has just about gone, apart from conforming to the essential criteria. I have mentioned about the lack of succession plan going forward which is more or less non existent. Also courses, and opportunities to work at other places has gone.

Support was initially very good, our training manager was very keen to make the programme a success and tried everything to make sure we were getting what we should be. More recently however, the support has tailed off. It is very difficult to get concerns and blockers heard, and actioned. Support in terms of time away from the job to do university work ect is very good. Also, emotinal support when things are difficult from my line manager has been good.

A lot, SHU are very good at supporting all aspects of the job and personal life. They have many dedicated teams and support officers to help with everything from essay and research support all the way through to emotional support. They are available just about whenever you need them and no ask it too great. They are always there.

Not at all. My qualification is very commercially structured, and therefore the six modules per year that I complete are not directly relevant to my site at all. Therefore it is very difficult to come back and apply my learning to my role. Or suggest any changes based upon it.

I have been involved in many social activities with people form work, forming some great frienships that will last a long time. However, most of these are not work led. There is no sports teams, networking events or social activities that I am aware of at my site, unfortunately. This could be improved.

No

I think on appearence the business is great to work for, and I was very excited when I got the job and and started. It was great originally. However, more recently, my concerns and unhappiness has not been listened or actioned, despite siginificant effort from myself. The course is not well structured, and my future is very unclear. The degree is not particularly linked to my role, and my day to day tasks are not what they were sold as.

Establish, and agree your course, development plan and succession plan originally, and keep it in writing. Ensure that the business follow this up, and are dedicated to your success. This is crucial if you want a good start to your career. It is very easy for the business to loose sight of what you were originally told you would be doing, and you need to keep reminding them of that.