Supply Chain Apprentice Review

The roles I undertake are on a rotational basis. I started in Logistics and have now moved into the warehouse. This has linked up with my University course well and has allowed me to transfer the learnings from university to the workplace. Day to day I am working in the warehouse learning how the warehouse works through different roles and operational processes. I have also been involved in different projects to improve processes in the warehouse.

I have developed my interpersonal skills and improved my confidence. This has allowed me to take on challenging roles allowing me to learn new skills such as learning how to book shipments and use the warehouse management system. I have also joined the Apprentice Committee allowing me to connect with other apprentices in different sites across the UK. This has developed my communication skills and is helping me build my network.

I find the programme very interesting and it has allowed me to develop my confidence. Aston University have ensured we have sufficient time to complete assignments alongside working full time. I have found learning about the product manufactured at my site really interesting. I have been given many opportunities to gain responsibility such as chairing daily meetings and giving presentations to my team.

The programme is very well structured. I am aware of when I need to attend University and aware of University lectures well in advance. The structure of the programme at work is well balanced. I have one day a week where I can complete university work which usually involves a call with Aston University. My rotations have been well structured and I have been able to transfer learnings from my university to my workplace.

I have received excellent support from AZ. From the start of recruitment to working in my team for 7 months all colleagues have been really helpful. My manager has encouraged me to grow my network through apprentice events such as joining the AZ stand at the National Apprentice Show North West. To gain more knowledge for assignments I have reached out to different departments who have all helped me learn new skills and develop my knowledge of both the AZ business and the product manufactured at my site.

Aston University have provided great support when completing assignments. I have been assigned a mentor who has quarterly check in calls with both me and my manager to keep my manger informed of my university progress and to ensure I am receiving the right support from my employer. Aston University have weekly calls with my cohort to teach new content for the next assignment. These also enable me to ask any questions.

The qualification through Aston University has helped me perform better in my role by teaching content that is relevant to my rotations at work. This has been down to my manager linking the university timetable with my learning plan. Aston University have ensured the content learnt at university caters for all supply chain aspects. This means that I am able to link up content learnt at university to work really well.

There are many extra-curricular activities to get involved with in AZ. Since starting in last September I have joined the Apprentice Committee, been to networking events at another site in the North West, and I have also been to one of the National Apprentice Shows for the North West to represent AZ.

Yes

Great employer that values and is keen to develop their employees. Offers a great number of opportunities to develop in different areas and support to achieve goals.

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