Chartered Manager Degree Apprentice Review

When I start my shift I instantly log on to my laptop, and check my calendar for the day. Sometimes I will have conference calls in the morning, sometimes I will have other stuff to do. Every day is completely different but the main workload I have is projects, and managing my own projects that I've been assigned by my manager

Yes. I've learned a magnitude of new skills that have enabled me to build a high level portfolio. For example, my communicational skills have been refined and used and stretched at DHL. I've had to test my limits and push my self over my limits multiple times. Being stretched and pushed & pulled in every direction is what makes this apprenticeship so great. It really forces you into new boundaries and teaches you more about yourself than you could learn anywhere else.

The programme is incredibly fun on most days. Some days you are unfortunately overloaded with work and university work. The programme can be tough and challenging, but that is usually what shapes you. Sometimes you have to fight for yourself in situations and stand your ground. You learn a lot by learning to defend your actions. The challenges presented to you make the programme both enjoyable, and interesting.

I'd say the organisation of the programme could be improved. However the structure and plan we are put through is good, and with good intention. Unfortunately the teams are very stressed and overworked, and more people should be assigned to help and manage the workload. The team of apprentices has gotten pretty big. However the team is great at helping and getting back to individuals, whenever the can, and are usually very helpful and great to speak to.

My line managers have been great and supportive. Whenever I need the study time, or I need to shuffle it around, my line managers have always been extremely supportive and flexible, and so have I. I'm also able to study from home, meaning I'm only physically at work 4 days a week, sometimes with the ability to work from home. This is great because in my experience time management was really difficult from the start. But now more recently I'm offered so much more time and space.

The support received from my training provider (open university) is good too. I have a practice tutor that I keep in contact with very regularly, and whenever I need something she will always help me no matter the time of day. I find the uni course to be very individual based. You are given tasks and thats it - online tutorials and more of the sort dont seem to be that common practise with the OU. The courses are good and full of information, however I feel like if the course was more interactive every week and everyone was forced on weekly tutorials and calls it would be more supportive.

I feel like the theory I learn at the university is extremely effective in my role. Exercising my people management skills and other skills I have learned at the university has been a common practice for me. Sometimes I exercise them just to try them. Some theories and ideologies I have studied have not been efficient in my specific roles, which is bound to happen. Those things I could apply in my day to day job have been extremely useful and have lead to me increasing productivity and my personal organizational skills, thus making me better at organizing colleagues and spreading workload between them.

Multiple courses which double up as extremely professional networking events. Social activities are extremely common. For example National Apprenticeship Show is a must, and I've attended every year that I could as it is great fun and a huge chance to be able to present the DHL apprenticeship to young people who are interested in finding an apprenticeship thats suitable for them. Other networking events include Chartered Manager apprenticeship days, where all the apprentices will meet together and network. The efficiency of these networking events is highlighted when you see the 2018 Intake meet every year, and its almost like a huge friendship group. More networking events give apprentices opportunities to even PRESENT to Vice Presidents and directors of the business regularly.

Yes

Because of the skills and experiences you learn along your journey. Your skills are really stretched and really refined during the course of this programme. You are also able to meet new faces and network on a very regular basis, meet new people and get exposed to different skills, and not just work skills but life skills. Being exposed to so many vice presidents, and directors, will give you new insights on life, and will show you possible paths and journeys you could undertake to put yourself in their positions and progress internally, quickly.

Make sure you present yourself as flexible but most importantly portray the fact that you are able to work under pressure. As stated previously, the role really stretches your abilities and your skills, pushing you to your limits. When you apply your ability to cope under pressure would be miniscule in comparison to when you would be finishing the apprenticeship. However going into the apprenticeship, you want to be able to at least cope under pressure and be able to deliver performance without making mistakes.