Commercial & Procurement Apprentice Review

I am a Commercial and Procurement Apprentice which means I am a local buyer for the company so I deal with the buying of goods and services, and I also assist with things like invoice and purchase order queries. I work with a mentor who shows me the systems and introduces me to new tasks.

Whilst doing my apprenticeship I have really noticed a development in my social and communication skills as a result of regularly dealing with the suppliers and my co-workers. I have also been able to learn new skills in relation to my job, like how to solve invoice queries and make up purchase orders.

I would say that I have really enjoy my apprenticeship programme so far. I enjoy my job and getting to work with very knowledgeable people who are always happy to answer any of my questions. There is never a boring day with my apprenticeship as there are always new things to do and people to talk to.

My apprenticeship programme is well organised and structured. We ensure that I am allocated enough time to focus on my studies and that I am getting enough time with co-workers who can mentor and train me. When I started we made up a five year training plan which includes what courses I would be doing, what aspects of the job I would be learning and who would be training me for them.

I receive a good amount of support from my employer. I have an apprentice coordinator who deals with the apprenticeship plan and the college, I have a mentor who is a member of the procurement and supply team who I spend time with everyday, I have a line manager who helps with any job related issues and I have a department manager. All of these roles provide me with enough support for my apprenticeship.

On the college course that I recently completed I was having one-to-one calls with my tutor every week to discuss my progress and to set me work. On the course that I have just started we have weekly classes and the tutor is always very approachable and willing to help with anything.

The qualification that I recently completed helped me to understand my day to day role in procurement and supply a lot better and we had to analyse and understand the work I was submitting. The qualification I am currently enrolled in is a very in depth and sought after qualification for procurement and helps me to understand the bigger picture.

At work we have a social and recreational club which organises regular gathering and activities which anyone can come along to, even if they are not a member of the club. We also have regular training days and activities which involves mixing with the other departments and helps to build the relationships.

Yes

I would recommend SSE to a friend as they are a good company to work for, in terms of benefits but also by the fact that they look after their staff and train us up well to be able to do our jobs competently but also to give us the option of progression.

Some advice that I would give to others applying to SSE would be to be yourself when applying and to work hard. If you put in the work and show that you are a good employee then they recognise that and will help you to progress throughout your professional career.