Supply Chain Apprentice Review

I work as a Customer Supply Chain Apprentice in the Consumer Product Division within L'Oreal which has brands such as Garnier, L'Oreal Paris and NYX PMU. I look after Pure Player accounts and my day to day role consists of processing orders sent over by customers, liaising with warehouses and transport teams, as well as communicating with the customer. Creating reports, working with internal stakeholders (such as marketing and credit) and maintaining good relationship with customers are just some of the tasks which I do daily.

I have greatly improved my confidence and communication skills by being face to face with customers, a professional manner is very much needed. I have also developed hard skills such as how to use microsoft excel and the software SAP to a high level. My time studying at Pearson College has also developed skills such as report writing.

The degree apprenticeship programme at L'Oreal is one of the best, and there are so many benefits which make it even more enjoyable. The job itself is rewarding and friendly working environment make it really enjoyable. There is also social teams and events where you can often win prizes etc and they are always a really fun time.

The programme is organised very well and you are very well supported. The first few weeks you are given a handover period where you are taught the basics and are given lots of help such as one to ones with managers and check ins with apprentice mentors from Pearson.

L'Oreal are very supportive in every sense. They offer the perk of working from home and during the pandemic have offered a multitude of support such as regular check ins and townhalls as well as giving us 'time for you' for 1.5 hours every day for lunch, and an early finish on a Friday.

Pearson offer lots of support through being able to email tutors and mentors with questions and also provide townhall drop in sessions for any questions. All content is also online which can be really helpful as a busy apprentice when it comes to writing assessments. There is an online library with lots of books and the lectures often cover the course in great detail

By working towards a degree has definitely helped me with working at L'Oreal. Not only has it widened my knowledge on business in general but it has also helped me understand certain areas of a business such as financials, CSR and marketing. Working towards my qualification has also helped me development my time management and writing skills.

There are so many things to get involved in at L'Oreal. There are social teams which often send out challenges to get involved in, prizes and parties. L'Oreal also offer talks from professionals on a variety of topics. For example, there has recently been a talk on being a working mother which was very insightful.

Yes

There are so many opportunities from doing this apprenticeship. Not only do you get work experience from the world leading cosmetics company, you also earn a degree at the same time for free. The working environment is unbeatable and the training is invaluable in setting you up for a successful career.

Be yourself and a friendly person. Make sure you do your research on the company and that you fit in with L'Oreal company values. Interview preparation is also key as the apprenticeship is very competitive and they will pick up on if you have done research into the role and into the company.