Customer Category Manager Review

On a day to day basis, I am a seasonal customer category manager and I look after the wholesale and convenience channel. I could be answering a customer request that wants some data and insight on a specific topic, or building a deck that analyses a season (easter, christmas etc).

I have learnt and developed so many new skills. I was confident before however Nestle have taught me how to present in an effective way and how to build a deck that tells a story, problem solving and also resilience. Moving placements every 9 months, you have to be open to constantly learning and developing new skills.

I thoroughly enjoy my programme. The team treats me as if i’m a normal employee and not just an apprentice and i get given real responsibility. I feel like I am not only gaining a degree, but learning skills and gaining experience that would have taken me several more years after university to get.

The programme is very well structured. The induction process was excellent and ensured we all got to know each other before we started and had a good solid foundation of nestle knowledge before joining the business. We have several networking opportunities and training courses to attend which ensures we all stay in contact.

I received a lot of support from my employer. There is a whole academy in nestle dedicated to the apprentices and graduates to ensure we have all the support we need and to make sure we have all the tools we need to succeed. Our line managers are also excellent in supporting our development.

Our training provider is great at offering support towards our degree. We have a dedicated mentor from the university that is always on hand to answer any questions and to give any support we need, whether that’s to do with our coursework or elsewhere. They always make sure we know what our assignment is with lots of resources online.

I feel like the qualification and theory really helps to add depth to our work based knowledge and ensure we can put some theory behind our roles and we can write it down and analyse it also. it’s also great to be able to speak to other apprentices and hear about their experiences too.

There are lots of extra curricular activities. We have an on site gym which is free to use, as well as a social committee for all the apprentices and graduates at nestle. We organise social events, whether in work or outside work, to ensure everyone feels connected and supported at work.

Yes

Nestle have been amazing at welcoming in apprentices and making us feel valued and appreciated. They are great at flexible working arrangements and there’s always something fun to be getting involved in at the office. With so many different roles and brands, there’s always new skills to learn and constant development.

I would say to be yourself! Let your personality shine through and show them you have a passion to learn. Make sure you build up your CV with extra curricular activities (part time job, fundraising) to really show you have an initiative for business and are motivated. They aren’t expecting perfection- just a passion to learn and thrive within the business!