Chartered Management Degree Apprentice Review

My day to day role consists of supporting DHLs operations in accurately reporting their operational data in a timely manner. I work with various regional and global teams to support system setup and effectiveness. As a support function, each day is different, whereby tasks can differ to suit the business, such as conducting data analytics on specific operations.

DHL offer many internal training courses through the internal training platform, which has been crucial to the business specific skills that I have gained as part of my time on the program. These includes courses on Dats Science, Presenting, Project Management etc. In addition, as part of my apprenticeship, I have gained essential skills that I can adopt in my day to day role, such as organisation and time management.

I have really enjoyed my time on the scheme. There have some challenges times when managing the different modules and assessment requirements, along with my full time role, but on reflection, these have all been part of the learning journey. The whole experience of learning and applying my knowledge gained to my role has been enjoyable and a positive experience of development.

From both the learning provider and the employer perspective, both are well structured. The Open University provide structured modules, both academic and work based, which link together to allow apprentices to apply their learning to their practice. DHL have created a training program through the training system, whereby some elements link to the modules, however I do believe their could be some development here.

The Emerging Talent team are very supportive. They encourage all apprentices to succeed and have a genuine and vested interest in the development of those on the program. They work with the Open University, our line managers and other organisations that we can collaborate with to give us the best exposure to DHL and other businesses.

The Open University have been very supportive throughout my apprenticeship, particularly my Practice Tutor who has been incredibly helpful in achieving my degree and as I work towards my End Point Assessment (EPA). Some Academic tutors have been more supportive than others, however I trust with the feedback I provided that this will improve.

As the modules are linked to work based processes, I believe the Management degree is highly applicable to my role. It has given me the opportunity to practice what I have learnt in a controlled environment, whereby my line manager can support. I trust that the qualification will put me in a favorable position when I take on formal management roles.

From a work perspective, there have been very few physical social activities that we have been able to do/attend due to the pandemic. However, we have held virtual leaving do's and Christmas quizzes which have been nice to attend. As COVID is becoming less apparent, we have been able to enter the office and spend more time together as a team. The Emerging Talent Team also hold networking events, which are typically held every year. These unfortunately have not occurred to date.

Yes

Overall, the program has exceeded my expectations. The qualification I have gained, and the challenges I have faced and learnt from have made me the professional I am today. DHL have a well structured program, with the correct support networks in place to help all apprentices. There are plentiful opportunities in the business to work in various sectors, even globally if the role requires.

During the application, be true to yourself and have the knowledge that DHL are looking for potential. They are not searching for the finished article, whereby they would like to help others in developing and achieving their goals. Remain confident in your abilities after doing sufficient research that a degree apprenticeship is right for you.