Supply Chain Degree Apprenticeship Review

Joining in September 2022, I was greeted with a whole new working environment. I am now 6 months into my apprenticeship, during that time I have familiarise myself with the process and systems within supply chain: Supply chain Handbook, SAP training, Onboarding, Optima Training, Synertrade, eAuction. Alongside this, I have grown my personal network within Supply Chain and the business whilst participating in 'Go and see' sessions, meeting Suppliers, Site visits, business stakeholders. Finally, I help deliver theoretical knowledge into practice within Supply Chain tenders and business projects.

I have learnt many new skills, alongside building upon existing ones. For example, my collaboration and confidence skills have improved massively. I have been able to participate in groups projects, adding value to a team which has enhanced my network. Alongside this, I had the privilege to go into a local school near me and talk to over 150 parents on 'tips and tricks' when applying to the 'next stage'. This reinforces the idea of my confidence being improved

I thoroughly enjoy my programme as it is introducing loads of opportunities and giving me exposure to new skills that I can utilise to improve my day-day work. A highlight of my programme so far, is the networking. I find it brilliant to build my network and recognise other employees experiences to better my own.

The programme works on 6 month placements, meaning that you gain a broader range of exposure due to rotating around the business into different areas of E.ON. Alongside this, we are allowed one day off a week to utilise for our university work, which makes balancing the work-load much easier

The apprenticeship is fairly self-driven as the aim is to develop your character. For example, it is down to us as the apprentices to determine where we want to move after the 6 month placement is concluded. However, the support that is available is endless, we were assigned mentors and buddies when we joined the organisation. Who of which are experienced employees who can direct us in the direction of the correct people if they cannot answer the questions being asked.

We typically have 1-2 calls monthly to help give an understanding to the employer of where we are in terms of our placement work and our university work. However, if we need to talk to anyone sooner then the 1-2 monthly calls, it is fairly easy to get in contact with support if help is needed.

I feel my qualification gives me theoretical knowledge to then build upon and put into practice within the working environment. A positive benefit of this is the ability to reinforce my university learnings and share to the wider Supply Chain team with the chance of introducing new policies to drive simplicity.

There are plenty of opportunities to participate in extra-curricular activities, these are located on the intranet. I personally have participated in playing for a 5 aside football team with a few other E.ON apprentices, as well as helping develop and present 'stay-connected' sessions which is when the E.ON Supply Chain team come together and talk about progression and conclude the session with a social activity outside of work.

Yes

I would recommend E.ON as an employer due to the opportunities and experience they can offer. Just the scheme alone, utilising the 6 months placements allows apprentices to gain a broad range of exposure to help recognise where in the organisation they enjoy most/add the best value or areas they don't enjoy so much.

When applying at E.ON I would advise you utilise extra-curricular activities to reinforce how their competencies, values and behaviours directly link to yourself as a person. I utilised activities like being within a football team, a fully trained football association referee and running my own business through lockdown, to portray skills like: teamwork, leadership, responsibility etc. It is vital to portray skills like this in an interview to show motivation and passion which employers love.