Supply chain practitioner apprentice Review

During our two year apprenticeship, we go to four - six month placements to various parts of the business. In these placements, we learn about the processes within the team and where that team fits into the business supply chain. Alongside this, we complete college assignments that are linked to supply chain.

Absolutely, learning how to adapt and learn new environments and business processes, operating systems, data manipulation, compiling information and how to communicate/share that information. I have learnt how to relay perspectives and opinions constructively and communicate if I come across any issues . My time management and organisation has also developed and will continue to develop.

On paper I think the mixed placements and business site changes are a great idea to give apprentices an understanding of how each part of the business is in some way interlinked. From my experience however, I felt like I was just a resource that was sent to placements to do the work that nobody else wanted to do, or I felt like I was being a nuisance if I had any queries at all. In fact being almost dehumanised and referred to as "The Apprentice Resource" on a number of instances by some of the staff within a placement I was put into. There was always a feeling of unease when going into a new placement, as I was unsure if I'd just be a "resource" again or if I'd actually receive the guided, supported experience that an apprentice should. The workloads were inconsistent and sometimes, when concerns were raised, not too much seemed to change, or at least I didn't feel like my experience mattered. College was brilliant, although there were a number of changes of tutors for not entirely obvious reasons; I still believe that there was a continued, visible, bridge of support if I needed it; both online or in person. Although I have faced my own organisational challenges, I was calmly supported and not berated for being in a less than ideal position at times. I have enjoyed some parts of the apprenticeship and I do still believe that it's a brilliant opportunity. As this is a new scheme, I do believe there are still a few teething issues that do need to be identified and fixed so that future apprenticeship cohorts have a more positive experience.

I do believe there is room for improvement with the programme structure and communication but the placement diversity was brilliant, even getting the opportunity to work on a different business site where the end product was visible. At the start of the programme we were still dealing with COVID which of course had an effect, but I think the scheme staff did a good job at trying their best to get people on site in the safest way.

The scheme leads are supportive when an issue has occurred, as stated before, I have struggled with balancing my college assignments with placement work in the past and I was very much supported in getting me back into a good position with the use of a "recovery plan". I do think that having more regular 1-1 or group talks would be beneficial, these are put in place but always seem to be cancelled due to "nothing to flow down", but not considering if the apprentice(s) have anything to "flow up". I must admit that my cohort was not the easiest to communicate with on the most part.

I can't give enough credit to the college training staff, each tutor has been very informed, supportive and encouraging; even while facing challenges with delivery such as remote working. Any questions that need to be asked are responded to quickly and informatively. When I have struggled with anything, be it college assignments or English exams, the encouragement has been brilliant. Occasional re-staffing wasn't the best though but nevertheless, great delivery.

The topics covered by the training provider have been relevant to nearly every role in some way, even if only distantly related. The college lessons give me the opportunity to find links that may help me to understand the role that I'm in and how it is all linked to each of the required skills. As well as giving me topics to ask my placement teams about, encouraging communication.

I have taken part in a number of stretch activities throughout my time in the scheme. I have supported: Supply chain apprentice newsletter, activities on the intranet (internal internet) and even hosted a Macmillan Cake Sale week in support for cancer research. All of which were supported and encouraged by scheme staff and tutors.

Yes

I really do think this is a brilliant opportunity for anybody at any skill level or any professional background. Coming from engineering originally, I had no idea what to expect, but now I do feel like a competent addition to the BAE business. As stated before, there are of course some teething problems like anything that's new. I am conscious that we are only the second cohort to go through this supply chain scheme, so I have no doubt that with this feedback and other discussion, the scheme will flourish into a brilliant course like the other apprenticeship schemes that BAE provide.

Be honest and communicate to the best of your ability. Don't be afraid to ask for help although it may not be the easiest thing at times, try your best and don't be afraid to make mistakes as that's how everyone and everything learns how to do and not to do things.