Category Exe Review

i work in category which provides a neutral persepective advising retailers of how they should grow their category. E.g. pet food and within that the cat food. Using data analysis skills, which i have developed across my time in this placement Ive had to identify recommendations across all brands including competitors to advise the category manager and the nestle sales team on how they can discuss further opportunities from my recommendations.

Ive had to develop my data anaylsis skills and the ability to be proactive as part of what is expected of me. In a smaller team, everyone is focused on their own roles and responsiblities - leaving me to learn my role and then be proactive and find my own areas of projects to develop.

The basis of the programme is good - rotate roles and departments every 6 months, giving the opportunity to network acorss all areas to see where natural talents lie and where you personally enjoy to do in a role. i really enjoy going to uni every 6 weeks or so, it gives a break from the professional environment of the office and allows the chance to talk to your peers going through the same situation.

The programme has been going for nearly 6 years now but it still seems unorganised. Standards seem to be constantly changing meaning that some work we have completed previously towards the chartered manager qualification is now irrelevant making it a waste of time. At work, there seems to be a lack of communication between the nestle academy, apprentices and line managers. There is not enough clarity surrounding who to go to in the academy for a certain issue.

From my direct line manager in my current placement, there is very little support. However in other placements, its been a great level of support as theyve really understood the apprenticeship programme. However from the nestle academy, there is guidance but not as high level as support that is sometimes asked for. i believe this is a huge area for improvement.

The support from lecturers during uni weeks is great, due to small classes we can easily stop and ask questions or go over certain theories that may be harder to understand. The course leader, [This section of the comment has been removed by a member of the RateMyApprenticeship Team because it did not meet our site terms and conditions] is always checking in on us and will always reply promptly to emails should any apprentice have a question whilst away from uni.

Studying different modules at uni allows a varied knowledge of business. Applying this to the workplace means that you are able to see the reasons behind why we do certain things at work, e.g. the marketing mix. However, its not always easy to see the link because uni is very theory based and its not theories at work.

In my business (Purina), there is a sports and social club that organises activites to do outside of work. E.g going to the races etc. There are also running clubs or other networking lunches or breakfasts to mix with other people in different businesses. Conferences are also a great way to meet new people.

Yes

Despite there being develop areas for the academy, nestle is a great environment to work in with friendly like-minded people. Its a great way to kick start your career with a funded degree and a network of a well recognised business. You have the flexibility to move to anywhere youd like to specilise and focus in.

Advice is to be yourself and be enthusiactic. Employers want to see people get involved in your role should you be successful so its important to show a can do attitude and a willingness to be proactive and succeed. Also battle through the long online application tests! Try again if you fail the first time!