Chartered Manager Degree Apprentice Review

My first role (out of 4) was in eCommerce. Within this, I carried out a lot of project work, particularly focusing on Amazon and also provided upskillig and training to others within the business. I got to lead two projects on Amazon, designing the end products whilst also arranging meetings daily with my stakeholders and explaining to them why we should go forwards with the project, before going on discuss what they wanted to achieve from it. There is a huge level of trust ad responsibility given to you and if you take the opportunity you can come out of the end of your placement having achieved a lot.

My time at Nestle has been filled with learning. Starting on the role specific ones, I learnt a lot about eCommerce and all of the intricacies behind it. I developed my training of others also, which will be a big help in the future. However, there is a lot more learning to be had in generic work skills. Time management is a hugely important skill you quickly develop, along with stronger social skills (no matter how socially adept you believe yourself to be). There's opportunity to learn and develop every day in the company with excellent role models and help constantly available.

I chose the programme for many reasons, however the first and foremost was that I didn't enjoy the idea of 3 years of university as I thought it would be boring. The programme has allowed me to go straight into the world of work with genuinely important roles and challenges that keep me interested every single day whilst also getting my degree alongside this. Other than the occasional job that I may not particularly enjoy (as is the case with all jobs!) I can't express enough how much I love my job.

The programme has us go to university roughly every 6 weeks. For the time inbetween we are expected (by the apprenticeship standard) to have 8 hours a week alloted for our uni work. This is all dependant on the apprentice to ensure so in this case is not the most structured. However, it is flexible, which I would argue is more important.

Support is given whenever and wherever it is needed, however is actively offered to apprentices at all opportunities. My current line manager and previous also were instrumental in my development not only in role, but as a worker in general. They're all happy to help you whenever it is needed and will often schedule catchups frequently to check everything is okay and offer help if needed. Support isn't just offered for work-related scenario's either, with support being provided in my moving house, making the event as easy as possible.

Sheffield Hallam offer us 4 days a week once every 6 weeks to go through a module of uni work. Within this we spend our time recieving the classic 'lecture,' followed by group work with our fellow classmates (where the lecturer will drift around helping). Whilst this is helpful, there is not as much of a focus on the assignments we will be set afterwards to complete and you can feel somewhat distant to your learning whilst completing the assignments.

Whilst some areas are very useful (for instance reflective practice, which can be used in all roles and even out of work life), oftentimes if you're learning about a different function to your role you won't see any impact at all (until in that role). Furthermore many of the academic costructs simply don't/can't exist in the real world in their pure form, but are rather adapted to work. However this something you can only notice by both being in work and learning, so in that regard is helpful.

There are numerous events going on all the time at Nestle. During the period of self-isolation my team arranged 'remote cocktails' after work on a Friday which was a really nice thought. I also got to take part in modelling for Nescafe Azera which was a load of fun and there are many large team lunches.

Yes

Beyond simply enjoying what I do, I enjoy the company of the people I do it with, the way I am able to do it and the future opportunities available to myself. Everyone I have met at Nestle have been friendly and helpful - which is a big thing when startig out! The flexibility of work is also amazing, with flexible hours and working from home allowing you to put your life first. Finally, there are countless opportunities within the company for growth and progression just waiting to be had.

The most important part of the Nestle recruitment process is you. Nestle aren't hiring you for your grades, they're hiring you for your personality and who you are. As such it's vital not to 'act' like someone you're not and simply be yourself! Another tip is to simply be friendly to everyone get to know them, you learn lots more this way and can really set a good impression.