Procurement Apprentice Review

In my day-to-day I tend to run backlogs, update the system with ETAs and book in invoices. I consistently liaise between distributors for these updates. Accounts payable rely on our department to make sure that all invoices are booked in for that month. Our ETAs help finance forecast for our targets. These things also both affect sales, helping them gather this information for the customers and for their own targets. I also need to dedicated 20% of my work time towards my apprenticeship.

I have always been relatively good written communication e.g. I achieved a C in English Language A level. However, in this job I have learned how to have clarity, maturity and assertiveness in my emails. I have definitely learned to take ownership of my role and to not be afraid to challenge the processes.

The work ethic at Softcat is that something that I wouldn’t expect in another company. My team haven’t been extremely welcoming but I have managed to fit in now that I have been here for several months. I Think considering how much the company invests into their employees they definitely get it back.

Remit has not been the best with our training. Our development coach was very unprofessional, but we have now learnt that we will be having someone in her place. Our apprenticeship manager at Softcat has been amazing and has helped us through lots throughout the programme. She definitely deserve an award as she is someone that you can rely on and confide in.

With workload there isn’t a lot of support at the moment however I know there are plans in changing this. At the moment software and hardware procurement support roles are kept separate and we are given designated distributors to keep track of. The idea is that’s soon we will be able to liaise between the two to help each other out when colleagues might be struggling.

At the moment the quality of remit has been very poor which is quite unfortunate. However we have been told our development coach will be replaced and hopefully our course will become a lot smoother. The activity and module materials are filled with countless spelling and grammar mistakes, which again is a bit disappointing considering it is a qualification.

It has taught us a lot about the legislations that are very important for any business. Making sure that we know about the misuse of data act is critical considering we are a tech company. So not only are we looking after our own data but third parties such as customers and suppliers.

There is the plenty of groups to take part in. For example, we have women in business and the LGBTQ+ community. We also have Monday morning stretch, yoga classes, boot camp to promote fitness and health which are free to attend. We do get discount on the Marlow Club Gym membership.

Yes

Because it definitely provides you with good opportunities, and a great start to a career. Apprenticeships are the best way for education because it tends to be government funded and you don’t get into student debt. Softcat also has a very relaxed culture but a determined attitude which is best to learn young.

If you are overloaded with work or are struggling tell someone, it is very important that you are looking out for yourself. Make sure to apply yourself to every task that is thrown at you. Make sure you have done research about softcat before you interview. To strive for confidence.