Supply Chain Apprentice Review

My current role involves maintaining ,strengthening and adding value to our supply chain relationship with customers in the Value Retail channel. I work closely with the CSAs, Sales Team, Logistics, other CBCs and customer contacts. Day to day I am involved in the forecasting and management of seasonal campaigns + special buys.

In this role I have really developed on my ability to present. I have to present to customers on a weekly, monthly and quarterly basis so I learnt this through repetition. I have also really developed my commercial acumen and supply chain end to end knowledge which stands me in good stead when I come off scheme.

I chose to do an apprenticeship as I didn’t believe University was the right next step for me. I wanted to work. I applied for the Nestle scheme as they offered a wide range of opportunities and long term career prospects combined with a plethora of flexible benefits. I would recommend this program to anyone.

The program is very well organized - we have received a great deal of support from the Nestle academy throughout the duration of the program. The structure of 3 x 1 year placements works very well as it means you get to try out different areas of the business before you come off the scheme.

I have received so much support and been given so many fantastic development opportunities, I have always felt very supported within my role and Nestle as a company Definitely the people I have been able to meet / new networking opportunities. Also always having a ‘proper job’ to do, not like your stereotypical apprenticeship.

Lincoln have been amazing! They have really helped me to get through the qualification and pushed me to aim for the highest level of the qualification. We changed provider half way through and I am very grateful that this was to Lincoln. They have been really supportive and flexible around me.

Honestly not much - I have learnt most of what I know on the job. Some parts of the qualification help that but in the grand scheme of things I really don't think it makes much of a difference. I still think it is valuable to learn while working though.

Plenty of opportunity to attend professional networking events. As a team we do lots of social activities, nights out etc. Not as much at the minute given the working from home restrictions but I look forward to getting back into a normal routine. There is a very good culture at Nestle.

Yes

Offers the chance to be able to explore multiple different roles within one department with a wide variety of support. I chose to do an apprenticeship as I didn’t believe University was the right next step for me. I wanted to work. I applied for the Nestle scheme as they offered a wide range of opportunities and long term career prospects combined with a plethora of flexible benefits.

Be yourself - Nestle look at you as an individual, rather than just a set of words and numbers. They pick up on your strengths and weaknesses so it is crucial that you just be natural and organic. You wont get far trying to be someone you are not. I would also say research the company and what they are looking for.