Commercial Trainee Review

I am an employee of Nestle's Fast Start Programme. This programme is a school leaver programme that offers both a sponsored degree in BA Hons Professional Business Practice as well as four 6 month placements in the four main functions of the business. This is followed by a 1 year placement with your preferred function. My current role is in Supply chain as customer demand planner within the Purina petfood business. My role varies day to day, with the resposibility of forecasting volumes for five different accounts, chairing meetings, running measures and contribution within my role of standard routines champion. As well as this I have had the opportunity to see a Purina factory and distribution centre as well as take a look around one of my customers stores in order to enhance my knowledge whilst in Supply Chain. I am in this role for six months and am then moving on to Marketing.

I have been offered the opportunity to enhance my feedback skills through a feedback and coaching course. I have also booked a place on two training sessions on 'Presenting with Impact' and 'Fark to Fork'. I hope to clarify my knowledge of end to end supply chain through the 'Farm to Fork' course and increase my confidence presenting after the two day course on 'Presenting with Impact'. My university experience has enabled my to understand and practice Harvard referencing and has also allowed me to develop my time management skills while having to balance university coursework with my day to day role.

I love working for Nestle. The business culture is brilliant and it has really exceeded my expectations. It is a pleasure to work in such a great team of people with not only a focus on the business needs but also prioritise the people within the business. I am loving Supply Chain as a function and it has exceeded my expectations and disproved my preconceptions. I am really looking forward to my next few years within the business and cannot wait to experience all the different functions of the business.

I feel recognised within both my team and on a larger scale within the business. I think the recognition of Nestle's Fast Start programme is great, people within the business treat you like any other employee, I am fully involved with tasks and projects, this is a real job with real rsponsibilities!

My induction to Supply Chain and Nestle as a whole was brilliant. We had a training week to introduce us to Nestle's core values and principles followed by a function specific

The university degree is with Sheffield Hallam University. The tutors at this University are great, they keep us all engaged in the topic using various different ways to help us learn. Accessibility to our grades and feedback is easily accessible and the guidance and support during our University weeks is great. I really enjoy my weeks at university and its a great opportunity to bring academic learning to the work place.

My line manager is so supportive when it comes to my personal development. The HR team have a really helpful database to help us with any questions we may have when we first join. I have been partnered with a buddy in the year above on the Fast Start programme also; this is really helpful and gives me the opportunity to have an informal conversation and ask all those silly questions. Everyone in my team is overly happy to help me out, and if I do not understand something everyone is happy to take time out of their day to explain - great attitude when it comes to support and guidance.

The salary covers my living costs including rent and travel. Considering all my university costs are paid for and I will have no student debt the salary and benefits Nestle offer are really good.

So far I have experience many opportunities outside of my day to day role. I have had the opportunity to attend many schools and careers events as an ambassador for the programme.

Yes

Nestle is a great company with really clear values and principles. The Sponsored Degree programme designed by Nestle offers the rare opportunity to experience four functions within the business and really establish a relationship a wide variety of people across the business. The opportunity to study for a BA Hons degree in Professional Business Practice tailored by Nestle balanced with a full time job and cross-functional experience is one you cannot miss.

Be yourself when applying and be enthusiastic about your achievements. Prove yourself with examples of when you have shown a particular skill. Take time over your application and make sure it contains everything you want to say!