Supply Chain Support Analyst Apprentice Review

I provide day to day support to the Procurement department as well as Sales. I am responsible for looking after the team's busy shared inboxes within Outlook which includes requests and queries from internal and external contacts. In addition, I support the wider team with any ad-hoc administrative tasks to ensure the smooth running of the department. Furthermore, I aid in invoicing order confirmations received, managing the backlog of orders (liasing with suppliers on ETA and delivery dates), working with distributors on order queries, and resourcing goods to complete orders.

I have learnt and developed skills in terms of managing/using software. For example, I have learnt how to use Dynamics and Sales Logics, but have further developed skills in using Microsoft Teams, Outlook and Excel. In addition, I believe I have developed management skills in terms of time and workload. Furthermore I believe I have also learnt and developed professional speaking skills, both in person and within emails or messaging.

To a very high extent! Even with difficulties from having to start and work from home currently due to the pandemic, Softcat have been really great at training and supporting myself and the other apprentices in getting started. I find the coursework and sessions by the training provider Remit very interesting and relevant to the workplace. In addition, within Softcat the team I work within have also been very supportive and encouraging, by helping answer questions where I have them and always being happy to help.

Very well organised and structured - the program uses 20% of the time for coursework and the qualification, and 80% on the job (which is roughly one full day a week to focus solely on the qualification). This timing is really effective for me as it has allowed me to stay on track very well with coursework without damaging the work aspect of the programme.

A lot of support - I have regular meetings with my apprentice manager, the head of my team, and the support team I work within so if I come across any problems they can be shared and supported. In addition, in general my team is very good at answering any questions I send them outside of these meetings.

A lot of support - Remit are always open to questions and fairly quick to answer them where asked, with good detailed answers. My development coach is very open and supportive, and very good at explaining concepts or tasks so that we can understand them better, so that we can complete coursework and other tasks to the best of our ability.

I believe it definitely helps, as a lot of the learning is relevant to the workplace and therefore helps me to be more conscious and aware and better-performing within my role. For example, one part of my learning related to the importance of good communication, which has helped me to ensure and follow ways to help ensure good communication occurs both internally and externally (e.g. by avoiding jargon).

There are many groups which people can join that can provide extra-curriculars - for example the hobbies network was introduced to bring people with similar interests together and participate in activities. This includes photography, gaming, and football. In addition, different department teams are also encouraged to spent time with each other doing various activities.

Yes

Softcat has an amazing environment and atmosphere that brings everyone together, even whilst working from home. They provide really good benefits and incentives every now and then and really encourage everyone within the company to work hard and enjoy it. They are really supportive and inclusive and take pride in the diversity of individuals (be it their gender, religion, race, sexual orientation, etc.).

Try to embed and show the core values of softcat (responsible, fun, intelligent, and passionate). Show passion and willingness to help the company and others succeed. Show and provide examples you have been responsible and intelligent. Describe what you do outside of work for fun (e.g. if you exercise, if you are creative) And, most importantly, be genuine.