Business Logistics Apprentice Review

I rotate around different placements as part of the programme. I have spent time in quality management, where my main task was to assess, diagnose and make recommendations to solve a quality issue on the press line. I also spent time in Body-in-White Innovations, where I conducted research to assess the feasibility of introducing automation onto the shop floor. More recently, I have worked with in the Logistics Accounts team, learning about the monthly processes required to ensure financial integrity and reporting accuracy. At the same time, I work towards a degree in Chartered Business Management.

I have definitely become more independent - working on research-style projects forced me to take initiative and work things out on my own, which has developed my perseverance and problem solving. Communication has improved as I had to speak to a variety of stakeholders on the projects. My IT skills have improved, learning new programmes and having to find ways to carry out digital tasks. I also learnt the real-life methods of business finance, something I hadn't previously experienced.

Despite challenges caused by the pandemic, the placements have been well-planned to enable me to experience a wide range of functions, however they haven't all been linked to my regular or future positions. The majority of colleagues make the experience enjoyable, providing support where needed. The extra projects I work on are also enjoyable, and help me further develop skills.

From the start, I had a clear timeline of my placements and what I would gain by spending time in each area. In the past year, the organisation has weakened, sometimes forcing me to make contact to find out what I would be doing next, leading to uncertainty and confusion during certain periods. However, the management have answered my queries and put plans in place to resolve them.

I am fortunate to receive support from a wide range of people, including apprenticeship managers, placement managers, mentors and fellow apprentices. I therefore always feel like I have someone to talk to if I have questions or concerns. Timeliness of responses is sometimes an issue, particularly those who have busy calendars, however I generally am well-supported by everyone.

In the past year, during remote learning, the training provider has supported me to a good level. Any questions I have get answered quickly, and feedback on assignment work is quick and useful, and has proven to support me in achieving strong grades. The contact between the training provider and workplace sometimes is less than ideal, with long periods between meetings and sometimes a lack of responses to emails. Overall, however, the support is good.

As part of the qualification, assignments require me to carry out extensive research on my industry, and encourage me to think of different viewpoints on topics or issues, which I can take forward into my workplace role. The majority of modules taught on the qualification are interesting and relevant to my work, especially relating to business finance. However, some modules bear little resemblance to workplace activities, but I understand that for others the content may be more relevant to their roles. A highlight is project management taught on the course - this has been directly useful for workplace tasks, and has allowed me to put into practice the theory to successfully carry out projects to a high level.

Outside of the pandemic, social events have been common and enjoyable, ranging from department Christmas events to project team afternoon activities. These help to build rapport, particularly amongst people who may not typically work together on a daily basis. I have been involved in News and Charity teams, which are interesting and provide me with experience to support an ideal future career path. The Plant also has good facilities such as a gym, whilst its links with the local community provide the opportunity for projects like local carnivals.

Yes

The company is well-run and supportive of employees and their development right from the start. The scale of the company enables progression and movement across not only functions but locations and even countries, which further enables career development. The reputation of the company is a strong attraction, whilst its employee benefits differentiate it from other organisations. The staff are mostly positive, hard working and friendly, which makes the working atmosphere productive and friendly. The fact that many high-level managers are former apprentices pays testament to the quality of the apprenticeship programme, and is therefore inspiring to new starters.

Research the company beforehand - it is useful to demonstrate a passion, or at least knowledge, of the products and customer markets for cars made by the company. Demonstrate a wide variety of skills you have acquired in previous jobs or experiences, and apply them to a manufacturing environment. Be positive and willing to learn and experience various functions - jobs aren't fixed, and there are always opportunities to move, grow and climb up the hierarchy.