Supply Chain Practitioner Review

Throughout different placements this apprenticeship scheme offers exposure of all elements of the supply chain including: ERP systems, Planning, Logistics, Sales & Operations, and Procurement. It allows to work within a team building your skills and establishing an in-depth knowledge of practical Planning and Logistics processes. Daily tasks vary between all placements.

From this scheme I have gained confidence and integrity through my exposure in the work environment, as well as building a substantial knowledge of the supply chain as a whole through college days and placement work. Having an abundance of different placements really enables you to grasp the most out of this opportunity, hopefully preparing me for when I exit into the business at the end of my apprenticeship. Going on 'Outward Bound Trust' at the start of the scheme allows you to focus on your develop against the company's values which gives you a good path to follow throughout the rest of your time. College learning is delivered by skill coaches internally at the ASK which is onsite at Samlesbury. You attend this around 2 days a month.

I enjoy the closeness to the product you can have, as well as the extra knowledge you can gain being surrounded by people that are passionate for what the company does. Being surrounded by people that a keen to enable your develop has been something I have really benefitted from. For my programme as a whole, having the amount of real life exposure in I have received has enabled me to develop quickly and boost my confidence in these roles.

Having the college days be on a monthly bases allows for a good balance between college work and placement work. Utilising the 6 hours of off the job each week gives more than enough time to complete the assignments that I receive on a monthly basis. In placements, we have regular progress reviews with our line manager and early careers to evaluate my development and find areas I have done well/where I could approve.

The line managers are always keen to help you develop as much as possible, giving you as much exposure to their area of the business. This especially helps with a lot of the managers being ex-apprentices themselves so they know how important the support is.

The are available for support at all times, not just on college days. In terms of the scheme, they give assignments that cover a topic which is good for revision and ensuring you have a substantial understanding. They brief us from the start on what is required form us at the end of our apprenticeship which allows a precise path to achieving up to our greatest ability.

I think it gives a good overview of the supply chain, not just at BAE, which gives you the opportunity to transfer this knowledge to other areas/companies. Whilst learning this course, you can often relate the theory to the practical in your every day job which allows you to have a good overall knowledge.

There are so many opportunities I have come across in my apprenticeship scheme so far. Examples include: STEM Ambassador Newsletters ASK Events Apprentice Council There are many opportunities that spring up on a ad-hoc basis, including opportunities that can arise through apprentices arranging events themselves/

Yes

The network, exposure and experience that you can gain through this scheme is so beneficial if you are looking to start a career with an abundance of opportunities for growth. On a apprenticeship scheme there is a wide age range, with anyone at any stage of their career journey can join and be well supported. It allows for you to become very independent quickly and empowers individuals in their ability in their different roles.

Advice: -Give yourself goals for 5 years time (where would you see yourself) -Try and reach out and network with people at the company -Network with as many people as you can -Research the company and know why you would want to work here