Supply Chain Apprentic Review

As a Supply Chain Apprentice I am involved in the day to day operational side of the procurement function within Babcock; working alongside internal and external stakeholders to help support complex projects, as well as providing an essential services to the MOD and armed forces.

I have learned a great many skills since starting my apprenticeship with Babcock. Chief among those have been expanding on my interpersonal skills. As well as this I have learnt a great deal about functional business skills, theoretical business skills, and much more.

There have been elements of the programme that I have not enjoyed so far, however, the beauty of this scheme within Babcock is that everything is varied, and change can be affected if you want it. Speaking out about something I was unhappy with produced meaningful change for the better.

The programme is extremely well organised. There are lots of dedicated people within the early careers function that really make sure there is order to the scheme. There hasn't been a point where I've felt adrift within the company, and I always feel valued by the various teams.

Babcock provides an immense amount of support, progression, care and wellbeing to apprentices. Having been involved with apprenticeships before, I can attest to the fact that Babcock offers unrivalled support to it's new starters and early careers people.

The support from the training provider has been solid. They are always on hand to have questions asked and answered. The tutor that they have provided for the CIPS study programme is effective and knowledgeable, and my experience with exams thus far has been positive.

Leaning the CIPS curriculum is undoubtedly improving my efficacy within the workplace. The knowledge and understanding that comes with CIPS in directly attributable to the workplace in my case, and therefore one goes hand in hand with the other.

Babcock enables a great deal of social interaction between graduates and apprentices. This is facilitated through dedicated spaces within the company. There is also a very extensive STEM programme that all grads and apprentices are encouraged to engage with which acts as both enrichment and networking.

Yes

Because it is a great place to work. You feel valued; your contributions are recognised; there are great career progression opportunities; they pay apprentices extremely well, and they represent a mission that is as pertinent now as it has ever been.

Be honest, be open, be genuine and be interested. Know what you're getting into and don't be afraid to reach out and ask for help along the way. And remember that you don't need a STEM background to work in engineering!