Supply Chain Degree Apprentice Review

My role involves a mix of operational experience and data analytics which provides a great balance in my learning experience on this job. I have been given leadership of individual projects which impact the daily operation when optimising the warehouse. This means I interact with the front line staff to understand what they want whilst also working with data to inform what products need moving. Another project I work with is handling of our agency front line workers where I monitor there performance and attendance whilst having a weekly meeting with the agency providers which gives me great experience working with third parties.

I have learnt lots of new skills whilst working for PepsiCo chief among them is the my excel skills have been developed rapidly in a short space of time and will only improve due to the constant use and exposure. Another skill has been writing a good email, the way I phrase emails formally has improved drastically so it is more fitting of a professional environment. Finally my communication and people skills have improved the most due to the nature of my experience I have to go and talk to people with confidence and candour whilst getting my point across well. The improvement has been drastic and I feel a lot more confident in all of these areas.

I have really enjoyed my programme and I'm extremely glad I chose PepsiCo's course to apply for as I feel well looked after and I am surrounded by a great team of people in the office who make me feel welcome and are always willing to help me and develop me. I couldn't imagine myself doing anything different compared to what I do. My program is also great as it combines an enjoyable workplace with lots of experience that will benefit me throughout life.

My course is well structured for a broad overview of the four years that my course is knowing how I will develop over time and what experiences I am likely to go through. It took a little bit of time to get all the information but the wait wasn't long at all and gives me a clear plan for what my immediate career will look like which is ideal.

I feel lots of support from my employer, people directly linked to the course such as the course leads or other apprentices older than me are always available and willing to provide support on issues I may be struggling with. Moreover my manger and people not directly linked to my course are helpful with any issues I may have work related or not. Finally they are incredible for supporting my progress towards my degree giving my the time and culture needed to complete my university work whilst helping cover any costs related to going to university.

I feel completely supported I am given one working day a week to help complete my qualification whilst if needed being allowed to take extra time. I am also able to freely able to ask questions and ask for help on specific topic areas if I am struggling with work related to them, whilst also spending time and experience with relevant teams for more experience. They are help cover the financial burden of travelling and staying away for university which is a huge help.

It definitely helps progress my understanding of supply chain which helps me understand things better in my role and by gaining more knowledge on this area I become better and better at my job as I have a wider and better idea of what good looks like. However, some things at the start didn't feel that relevant.

PepsiCo regularly puts on extracurricular activities on to support it's employees whether it was a great Christmas party, meals for religious events to support staff, or team days where I did an escape room. They have all been really fun and because they are a regular occurrence there is always something to look forward to doing .

Yes

PepsiCo is a great modern company that readily looks after and supports you to succeed in your career with great facilities. You also get to work with great people who make work fun and enjoyable whilst also gaining great experience that will help you throughout life, you never feel out of place or overwhelmed. I am extremely glad I picked PepsiCo and would recommend it to anyone.

Be prepared to deal with interviews and assessment centres to get the job but if you're confident and a good people person you will succeed just. You just need to remember no matter what the question is or if you are confused about anything, ask. You will get the help you need, there is no point suffering in silence.