Commercial Apprentice Review

Currently, I work in the Customer Development Team focusing mainly on Pre-Filled Units which is the cardboard units you see when you walk into a supermarket. On a day to day basis, I process orders of these units through a master tracker that the whole team use and ensure that the correct data is inputted so this unit can be made for the customer.

I have developed my numerical skills through finance forecasting and also my professional communication skills as I have to speak to both internal and external stakeholders on a daily basis. I have learnt time management skills by handling my university work alongside a full time job which is a great skill to have.

i really enjoy having the opportunity to explore all the different areas within Nestle instead of just staying in one job role. The rotations allow me to see how each function works in depth and I can apply the organisational context I learn at University to my everyday job which is great.

I would say it is very well structured as we get 6 months in each rotation for a total of 2 years and then in our third year we have the opportunity to choose which function to pursue. I think this is a great way to learn how each function works as well as going to university every 6 weeks to learn more about how to work in a professional organisation.

I personally receive a lot of support from my line manager and the whole team is super friendly. I haven't had a bad experience yet with the teams I work in and it is great to work for such a big organisation that still makes you feel as valued as the next person.

SHU provide a great learning experience, however this has been tricky in the past year as it has all been virtual. Virtual learning is very hard especially working full time from home too, it is more difficult to get the one to one discussions you would normally have and sometimes it takes the tutors a while to respond to my emails.

This is one of my favourite parts about the scheme, that everything we learn at university can easily be applied to our different rotations at Nestle. By understanding the deeper parts of each function, I am able to perform better at work because I can see different perspectives and apply this to my job.

Currently, there is not a lot happening due to covid however we have been made aware of team days that will hopefully go ahead soon as well as exercise classes, professional networking days which i am really looking forward to once they can resume again hopefully in the next few months.

Yes

Since joining the scheme last year, I have made so many personal and professional connections with my colleagues. It is a great organisation to work for with lots of additional benefits such as reward schemes and flexible working opportunities, and you feel so valued as an employee which I think it really important.

I would definitely say research heavily into what interests you and look at the opportunities that are available through Nestle. I knew I didn't want to go to university full time so i got the best of both worlds by working full time and still receiving a degree at the end of my course. It is such a great opportunity that is becoming more and more popular so definitely apply if you can, you won't regret it!