Chartered Manager Degree Apprentice Review

by Nestle

Best Apprenticeship Employer

Rating

9.4/10

1. Please give an overview of your role and what this involves on a day-to-day basis:

I am currently a brand manager who is responsible for managing Winalot, the UK’s #1 wet dog food brand. Me and the team plan what our marketing strategy will be for the year and decide how to spend the budget for the brand on activities.

9/10

2. Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?

I have developed a number of skills through the CMDA scheme, many of which surrounding project management, sales and procurement. Communication in a corporate environment has also been a huge area I have improved upon.

10/10

3. To what extent do you enjoy your programme?

The CMDA scheme has been running for many years at Nestlé, and consequently, has ironed out any gaps in learning and development. The opportunity to still visit university campus whilst learning on the job has proved to really enhance the apprenticeship experience.

10/10

4. How well organised/structured is your programme?

As aforementioned, this scheme has been running for a while now so the organisation of the programme is very well structured and the study blocks at SHU provide the best possible chance of learning.

9/10

5. How much support do you receive from your employer?

Support is very much at the discretion of the apprentice so can be accessed as much or as little as necessary. I have found the support to be great when needed and the variety in people I can go to help is brilliant for exposure.

9/10

6. How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?

The study blocks at SHU are well structured and the learning plan is always well suited to the relevant assignments.

10/10

7. How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?

The learning plan is always a great tool to apply in the workplace and equally, things learnt through work can also help with the assignments through university.

8/10

8. Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)

In Purina, we have a Sports and Social group which I am part of the committee for. This group plans monthly subsidised activities for Purina employees which vary from going to a bar to go karting.

10/10

9a. Would you recommend Nestle to a friend?

Yes

9b. Why?

The company is extremely welcoming and will support any individuals in developing specific knowledges, skills and behaviours.

10. What tips or advice would you give to others applying to Nestle?

It’s important to embrace your own personality and be yourself. Nestlé is a great company to support a range of individuals and I would highly recommend doing as much extra curriculum activities at possible that can evidence interests, skill development and a drive to do new things.