Commercial Apprentice Review

by Nestle

Best Apprenticeship Employer

Rating

8.4/10

1. Please give an overview of your role and what this involves on a day-to-day basis:

I work in the sales function as a Customer Business Manager. This involves managing the range of products listed, promotional plans and working relationship with buyers. Day to day, I am reporting into the business the status of my account and selling in products and promotional plans to customers.

10/10

2. Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?

Key skills around communication, confidence and presenting have been developed. However, the most significant skills developed have been around understanding how to work with different types of people, build emotional intelligence and influence others without hierarchal authority.

10/10

3. To what extent do you enjoy your programme?

It's challenging and stretching at times to manage both the day job and academic requirements but hugely rewarding.

8/10

4. How well organised/structured is your programme?

Placements are done on a business need basis. This means the roles are more valued and fulfilling but often assigned at short notice and not necessarily matched to specific individuals. There needs to be better management of the full apprenticeship development journey. This is done for the university side through the work based coach but Nestlé's day job performance tracking of individuals over the three years could be more transparent.

8/10

5. How much support do you receive from your employer?

Fantastic support from each of my line managers. I feel fully trusted and empowered to manage my workload.

10/10

6. How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?

The university support with ensuring the apprenticeship requirements are being met but there needs to be greater support from lecturers within and outside of teaching weeks on achieving the degree.

8/10

7. How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?

The degree gives a broad business context outside of Nestlé so is helpful in that respect. The main benefit is around reflection and personal development which directly enables job performance. 80% of the learning is done in the day job.

7/10

8. Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)

Social activities within the cohort and as part of some training weeks.

6/10

9a. Would you recommend Nestle to a friend?

Yes

9b. Why?

Fantastic people and opportunities to rapidly develop.

10. What tips or advice would you give to others applying to Nestle?

Understand as much as you can about what the realities of the job will be. I've seem some people be less satisfied with the scheme once they understand the reality of being required to perform in a fast moving dynamic business. Know what you're applying for but Nestlé is a great company to work for!