Finance Apprentice Review

In my first year I worked in accounts receivable. In this role I worked in deductions, dealing with customer queries on a regular basis, ensuring that all deductions made were real and meeting the deadlines within the service level agreement. In my second year I worked in procurement finance, this involved forecasting prices of raw materials and packaging & ensuring that the most appropriate price was input into the system.

I would say that I have developed on previous skills. Coming into an office environment was very different for myself as i'd only worked in sales part time. I have learnt to adapt to my new surroundings and become more confident in myself and my role. I would specifially say my presentational skills have improved and worked has provided a large amount of training in order to improve this further.

I enjoyed my programme as I was able to learn whilst working a full time role. I enjoyed studying at college and learning the educational side of my role so that I could have greater background knowledge in the day to day operations of my role. I did however find it difficult working with the training provider at times as I didn't feel that the support wasnt as strong as it should have been. Overall it was sucessful.

The programme itself took on originally a structured approach. I knew that I would have 4 exams where I would receieve study leave which was clear cut. However, when completing the coursework side of the apprenticeship it was really unorganised and wasn't adding any benefit to my existing knowledge or skills. I also was then told I had to take an additional exam as they had swapped me onto a new course half way through which I was unaware of as well as my company.

I recieved very good support from my employer. They allowed me to have study leave when college was on one day per week and they also allowed 3 days study leave for each exam. This was really helpful as it allowed for extra time enabling me to feel ready for the exam.

I recieved great support from the training provider actually in and out of the classroom. The tutors were really good and always wanted to help and would respond to any queries I had. The talent coach that was meant to support with the coursework side of the apprenticeship had a lack of communication and structure as they were also unsure as to what I should have been doing on the course.

I think that the CIMA qualification has definately helped me in my role. I have since continued further to progress through my CIMA qualification and can now relate what I learn in the educational environment into my working role. It also provides me with a greater understanding of how other finance functions work and operate in the business.

I think that there are number of activities that you can become involved with. We aim to have a conference every 2 years which involves everyone within the finance funciton to get together and do team buidling activities. We also have fundraising events that are regular across all sites that people can get involved in.

Yes

I think as an employer it is very good. The support is there 100% and it was an alternative to going to university. It has allowed me to come into the working world and after my apprenticeship I had been offered a full time role. I have also been offered opportunities abroad to develop my knowledge and allow me to have a larger impact on the business.

I would always be yourself. Within Nestle we are working strongly on our diversity and inclusion so do not feel that you have to fit in with what society may expect. Within our business we are growing a diverse range of people that will allow the business to grow by giving new insights and a different perspective.