Packaging apprentice Review

My role as a packaging apprentice consists of updating and creating master data in regards to packaging materials, reviewing and analysing the current packaging to try and spot room for improvement, trialling different packaging changes to make it more environmentally friendly, cost savings and supply issues and working on site wide projects to make the process used in the business more sustainable.

Yes, Nestle has given me many opportunities to develop new skills some key ones being: presenting- I’m given regular opportunities to present my work to all levels of seniority in Nestle. Also technical knowledge of materials and their properties including the supply chain and creation of them. Also my communication skills as I’m regularly interacting, persuading and working with all stakeholders on different projects.

Before joining the program I was uncertain on what the programme would include and how much I would enjoy, however the programme has been great and the most enjoyable part is all my colleagues at Nestle are really friendly, helpful and patient when helping you out as a new starter.

At first I felt there was a lack organisation/structure to the programme as I had a fair bit of downtime in the first month and it didn’t feel there was much to be doing. However since then many opportunities have come my way and it quickly switched up to having lots to be getting on with.

The support from my employer has been great, one of the best parts of my apprenticeship with nestle has been all the routes of support they’ve provided. I’ve got a line manager, 2 mentors, apprentice coach and a team of 6 people all of which are always available and helpful if I reach out to them.

The support has been great, within the company there’s are people doing the degree a few years ahead who are more than happy to help with anything and have experience/ examples to help. Also my mentor has been really useful in helping me with finding where to research areas or who to ask for specific information.

I’m still quite early in starting my degree so have limited experience with this. However what I’ve been learning so far and the assignments set have tied in very well with my day to day work and there been lots of opportunities to apply what I’ve learnt, as nestle helped build the course I’m taking.

Within nestle I get the impression there are lots of activities going on where there are more apprentices but at my site there is not much extra curricular I’m aware of. There are networking opportunities though mostly through microsoft teams but some in person events to meet people within nestle as well.

Yes

There are so many great opportunities for learning within the job and also loads of chances to interact and see all different job roles working to get some more experience there. Also there is great career progression opportunities to lead onto both while doing my degree and once I’ve finished it.

When you are applying for an apprenticeship at nestle I would say it’s your work ethic and team work that counts for the most. For the best chance you need to try show how well you can work in team and get along well with others and be constructive.