Supply Chain Apprentice Review

On a day to day basis my current role (my role changes every 6 months to get a variety of experiences) is working in data analysis of our parts, reviewing storage capacities and determining weather changes are needed to our process, at the moment this is my primary task however within this role I will also be taken on tours of the areas we work with, giving me the opportunity to interact with the customer.

Yes, I have learnt a range of new skills, both my social and technical skills have developed within the company and I have developed skills to become a more professional person. Some of the skills I have developed include: IT skills, especially using Excel, communication skills and my confidence within the work place have also developed as a result of my apprentice, I have taken on new challenges such as presenting to team leads which has really pushed my comfort zone and confidence.

I find my programme challenging in a beneficial way, it is enhancing my confidence and skills and framing me to a working environment, due Covid effecting my education and then leaving college early my routine and stability in a learning environment was knocked completely so being able to come into a learning and working environment is such an enjoyable experience for me and it feels rewarding that I have the opportunity to have face to face meetings, learn skills and knowledge from others and not be in a constant work from home environment.

The structure to my programme could have better organisation, I am not based in the same location as most of my cohort and I have found it challenging due to this, information will be sent out that doesn't apply to me, the skills coaches and early career teams are all based at the same location as the other apprentices and while their support is too a good standard a lot of their comms and updates do not apply to me which causes confusion, they also do not know the structures I follow or how my work life operates so I feel the structure of the apprentice support should be more localised and there should be more in place to make it clear to the apprentices at other locations what is applicable to them and what is not, saying this when I do have an issue or concern they are quick to respond and helpful, it is just the case of avoiding the confusion to begin with.

The company has been very supportive, I have had health issues recently and have received nothing but support from my line manager, explaining to me the process for receiving help through the company and allowing leave for medical tests. Everybody I have met and worked with have been keen to help me in anyway possible and the whole office feels like a very supportive and welcoming environment.

The tutor from my training programme has been extremely helpful, he has taken his own time to host catch up sessions when I missed the face to face lessons due to travel. He has always expressed his aims for us to succeed and made it clear we can reach out for support at any time.

I feel there is a fluctuation between my training programme and my role, while the programme does help me with my understanding in the role the roles I am currently working on are at a lower level to the things we learn in the training programme, however they will contribute to my role further in the apprenticeship.

There is not much opportunity for me to take part in extra curricular activities within the work environment at the moment, however I am aware of possible STEM opportunities coming up in the future, there is also occasional events such as road shows or a sports challenge day however these are not consistent.

Yes

I think it is a good company to work for with a lot of opportunity to develop, I would always recommend the apprenticeship route to anyone my age as a way to develop skills and enhance their knowledge, even if they did not want to stay with the company after the experiences would still be valuable.

Make the most of any opportunities you get during the apprenticeship, take tours, do STEM events and attend as many meetings or external work events as possible, make the most of the apprenticeship as when it becomes your full time role you may not get the chance to take part in as many opportunities.