Manufacturing Apprentice Review

Learning of a range of different manufacturing processes ranging from the very beginning of the coffee manufacturing process all the way to the packaging of the final product. Overtime, I have become familiar with a vast number of these processes and I am currently learning in detail one specific process, coffee extraction, in preparation for me being able to operate in this area of the factory without assistance. There are always ongoing projects that you can get yourself involved in which will form a portion of your day-to-day tasks depending on how much involvement you aspire to have.

I have learned a number of factory performance improvement and workforce autonomy development methods, followed by the updating, creation and implementation of standards and standard routines, including but not limited to; SOP's (Standard Operating Procedures), CIL's (Cleaning, Inspection and Lubrication) and centrelining standards. I have learnt a lot about different inputs into production, including but not limited to: SHE (Safety, Health and Environment) inputs, Quality inputs, Engineering inputs, Supply Chain inputs and many more. Not only did I learn about these departmental inputs, but I've had the opportunity to spent time with people within some of these departments and gain a first person insight into their day-to-day duties. I have also learnt an overview of a number of manufacturing processes, and one in depth, as mentioned previously. Unfortunately, I've not had much hands on experience as of yet, which is why I haven't given a rating of 10.

I enjoy my programme a considerable amount. I am somebody who likes to always know what's going on around me and this programme allows me constant opportunities learn exactly that. There is always something new to learn here, despite if you think you've learned everything there is to learn. Due to this, if your day is less busy than usual, there are always people and resources that can help you gain access to new and intriguing things that will keep your brain ticking throughout the day.

In all honesty, it is not the most organised or well-structured programme, which I've forwarded to people who can make a difference. I know from speaking to previous apprentices that it has definitely improved over the past few years, but I believe that it still requires some more attention to improve the structure of the apprenticeship internally. This course requires the use of your initiative - not everything is laid out in front of you, nor are your duties engraved in stone - here, you create your own pathway. This is not all negative though, it allows you to be able to make decisions for yourself and define your own future within Nestle. Externally however, the course delivered at NCFM (National Centre for Food Manufacturing) is structured brilliantly and makes for a very transparent course.

Support is always available when needed, however it is not always the easiest to access. There are subject matter experts on site which will help you with any queries, but they are busy people so booking in a meeting with them for the following week may be necessary. But figuring out who these people are is sometimes a task in its self. In the mean time, I often find myself having to figure things out for myself, which is fun sometimes, but not always realistic. On a better note though, the support when gained is always exceptional, and people are always willing to help you develop. Bare in mind also that Nestle is huge company and the people that manage apprenticeships are often based in York or Gatwick, so these specific people are only accessible through messages and video calls. My mentor is always happy to help me and guide me in the right direction if I come to a dead end.

The tutors and staff at the NCFM are always happy to support me were necessary. They tend to respond to my emails within a day or so which is great. My training provider has regular meetings with myself and my employer to ensure that I am on track with my course and that my employer is fully aware of my course requirements in order to ensure compliance from all parties.

Everything food manufacturing related that I have learnt at work has been consolidated through my training at the NCFM and vice versa - depending on where I first learnt something. This shows me that the course is very relevant to my my role and the content within it has been tailored to be so.

To my knowledge, there are not any extra curricular activities at my place of work, although some of Nestle's factories do have a gym onsite. One thing I can think of is that we are allowed 2 paid days a year to do some sort of volunteering, whether that be through the company, through another organisation or off your own back.

Yes

Nestle is a place where you can develop yourself as a person and as an employee. Working at Nestle isn't just a job, it is a place where you can set up your career and your future. There is a career at Nestle for everyone, not matter what area you want to work in or the type of person that you are. The people here are extremely welcoming and are always willing to help you when needed. You can carve your own pathway here.

If you are unsure about which area you would like to go into, don't worry too much, as there is the possibility of switching scheme if the one you applied for doesn't quite suite your liking. I will admit, the interview process is quite vigorous and spans over quite a long period of time, but it is broken up nicely into little sections so it isn't as stressful as you might imagine. As most people will say (which is always true) - just be yourself.