Supply Chain Apprentice Review

In my first year with Nestle, I have been placed in the order to cash area of supply chain as a 'Customer Solutions Analyst'. This is an operational role which involves communicating with different internal and external stakeholders to manage, book-in and deliver customers orders on time and in full.

I have been supported in developing a variety of skills since starting at Nestle. For example, right from starting you are encouraged to get involved in academy workshops, inductions and formal training to develop your skills and knowledge. In addition, you naturally develop skills such as time management and communication throughout your day-today activities and when completing University assignments.

I have thoroughly enjoyed the programme so far, and have found it offers a great work-life balance. The team I have been placed in are really supportive and friendly which helped me settle into my role really easily. I am excited to rotate through different areas of the business to learn new roles and meet new people.

The programme has been really well organised and structured with strong communication from both the Nestle academy (who assist in running the apprenticeship) and my team. In addition, we have been given a clear pathway from the University of Lincoln with our study leave and assignment dates/deadlines and my current team are great at offering flexibility with study leave to suit individual needs.

There are several different areas of formal support, including having a scheme mentor, buddy and performance manager which are all able to help and provide information from the outset. Furthermore, I have found everyone I have asked is always happy to help and I was also offered support with relocation before I started the role.

The support from University of Lincoln is good. I think the first few months was slightly harder as it wasn't always clear who you should ask if you has a specific question. However, since visiting the University in person this has helped to get to know our Lecturers and assessors much better. You also have regular progress review calls with the University.

I would say initially the qualification is quite generic and the modules don't always directly apply to your job role within Nestle. However, more recently the modules are becoming much more applicable to my day-to-day job role and starting to solidify my knowledge on other business areas within supply chain.

Despite starting with Covid restrictions in place, we were still offered the opportunity to meet our cohort beforehand and also meet our team initially outside of work in compliance with Nestle guidelines. There are also plenty of opportunities to be involved in different events, both inside and outside of work should you wish to be.

Yes

Being a supply chain apprentice at Nestle has been a great experience so far! Everyone has been really supportive and friendly and is invested in genuinely wanting to see you succeed in the apprenticeship and beyond. There are so many opportunities and areas for development within such a large company but you are still valued as an individual.

When applying to Nestle I would say just be yourself, as if you are right for the role you are applying for, you will be successful. Also, try to gain an understanding of the area and scheme you are applying to and why it is you actually want to do it.