Supply Chain Apprentice Review

My role as an NPD Change Coordinator is the second role I have worked since joining PepsiCo in 2020. The role involves collaborating cross functionally with teams such as commercial and demand planning to ensure new products have the forecast loaded into the system at the correct times and in the correct volumes. We track the performance of new products and ensure launches run smoothly with flawless execution.

There is an extensive array of skills I have developed and acquired throughout my time so far on the course. Confidence is one of the biggest, it can be quite daunting as a young professional working in a corporate setting for the first time. Having managers that are supportive while being assigned buddies and mentors helps greatly in brining out the best in you. Verbal and written communication are also areas that I have developed. Adapting to different communication mediums such as zoom, email and teams are all skills that you typically lack coming out of school and it is great to be able to work on these.

My programme is thoroughly enjoyable. I am rotated through roles every year allowing me to gain experience in all elements of the supply chain. This allows me to work with all different people and gain knowledge on a wide range of processes. I am given all the resources I need to be successful in both my studies and my work.

On the whole the programme is well organized within my organization. Induction and training were seamless with all of the relevant support, training and resources provided. I get one day a week to focus on studying and completing my assignments which i very beneficial. I am also provided with a business mentor that can help with any questions i may have.

All of my colleagues as well as managers have an outstanding attitude towards helping and support, whether this is in regards to my work or my study. As mentioned, having a mentor is also very beneficial to provide support from someone outside of my team with different experiences and perspectives.

My training provider carries out 2 days sessions every couple of months in order to deliver the material required for the degree qualification. Between these session, lecturers are available to contact via email to arrange calls with. The learning hub is also available to send draft work to in order to receive feedback. Lecturers could be more upfront and proactive in terms of offering help and support, however it is there if you need it.

I don't feel as though the content on the qualification helps me so much in my current role due to its specificity compared to the more broad academic nature of the qualification. However the course requires you to learn more about other departments and I have to put calls in with colleagues from different functions in order to do this. This provides me with a wider knowledge of my businesses supply chain operations.

I have taken part in extra curricular activities such as IGD - a course provided by an external training provider intended to broaden wider supply chain and industry knowledge within FMCG. There is also the opportunity to join teams such as the Smiles team and the Mental wellbeing and resilience team. Social events have been limited however this is expected due to the pandemic.

Yes

The programme is a great opportunity to integrate academic learning and real working experience. PepsiCo is an outstanding company that provides all of the support and resources needed to be successful. Having a degree at the end of 4 years as well as gaining the experience in a such a prestigious organization builds the foundation for a long and successful career.

The biggest tip I would give to others is to do your research. Learning the values, objectives and missions of the company will allow you to understand if the goals the organization is striving to achieve align with your own. If PepsiCo looks to be achieving things you would feel proud to be apart of then the rest is easy... Just be yourself!