Supply Chain Apprentice Review

My Job Title is currently Supply Chain Apprentice - My daily tasks include reporting all material produced in the factory overnight and producing batch documentation for all of our products as they are being made. With this brings a lot of responsibilities as without the correct documentation our materials cannot leave the plant - and working in a pharmaceutical plant means that the my performance as an individual on the site has the potential to impact the health or real people throughout the world.

I have achieved an SVQ Level 2 in Supply Chain Management and I am currently working towards Level 3 and Level 4 (Degree Level) Qualifications. I have been trained in several different aspects of the company here - Including compliance, document control, production scheduling and warehouse operations.

From my very first day here I have always felt welcome with whoever I work with. There is always help at hand should I need it and I never have a reason to be unhappy. I did not expect to enjoy my apprenticeship as much as I actually do.

I feel like the organisation strive to make everyone feel valued, and even in my position as an apprentice I am made to feel important by those around me. I was recently given the opportunity to plant a rose in the grounds of the site as a celebration of our 40th year anniversary. Only 40 people are being allowed to plant their own rose and many of these people are directors, managers or other roles far higher up the ladder than my own - The opportunity to take part in this sort of event regardless of your role or level of experience makes you feel very equal.

I recieved an induction on my first day at work to bring me up to speed with what is required on site with regards to safety. I have been adequately trained in every role before being allowed to carry it out independently and have weekly "Buddy Chats" with a colleague so that I have an informal opportunity to discuss any problems I have. There is a clear and structured layout to my apprenticeship and I know what to expect with regards to job changes and responsibilities.

Most of the academic aspect of my apprenticeship is done online and I have limited face to face contact with my tutor. Most support I recieve is done via e-mail, but nonetheless my tutor is very enthusiastic about my studies and is always more than happy to assisst me.

I always recieve help when I ask for it and my colleagues try to encourage a culture of asking questions rather than making risky decisions which can have negative consequences.

Living with my parents and close to my place of work mean that the money I make via salary annually is a significantly larger number than the money I spend.

There are a wealth of activities to take part in outside of the site with the company - Including Rowing Regattas, Golf Tournaments, Bake-Offs, Cycling events, Quiz Nights, Gala Dinners, Open Days, Charity fundraising opportunites and many more

Yes

I have enjoyed working here and it has developed not only my career opportunities but also me as an individual.

The application process included online testing followed by an assessment centre. The key is to be interactive - You can be the smartest person in the world but I don't think you will be hired unless you look as if you will be good at communicating with others so don't be afraid to drum up conversation with the other applicants!