Supply Chain Management Higher Apprentice Review

My apprenticeship is in Supply Chain Management and involves a variety of placements over my 3 year apprenticeship whilst studying towards a degree. I have currently just finished a Material Resource Planning Placement which has involved planning for customer demand, working on the shop floor to ensure certain parts are given priority as well as managing an external company who perform a process for our parts.

I have learnt how to plan to demand as well as prioritising parts through a process to ensure we maximise capacity but also meet customer reuirements. I have developed my problem solving ability and communication skills with various issues that have arisen and working with those both in and outside of the busines. Doing a business degree alongside full time work allows me to apply theory to practical based learning. Doing internal training courses such as personal integrity and presentation skills has allowed me to develop my confidence in a job role.

So far, i have thoroughly enjoyed the teams i have been involved in and the amount of responsibility i have held in my positions. The company's values match myself well and i enjoy doing a degree a long side full time work. Sometimes, full time work can be a lot of responsibility and quite tiring for someone young however, i know i am gaining invaluable experience in a growing business and so it is a great opportunity. i enjoy the variety of tasks i am allowed to get involved in.

I feel valued by Rolls Royce as apprentice's are treated equally compared to other employees. I get given a lot of responsibility and so i believe i am trusted as well as getting a lot of benefits from the business e.g share scehemes/pension

Very well structured. I am clear as to when my placements are, how long they last as well as my university dates and deadlines. It is clear to me my work load and so i am able to manage this and plan ahead to ensure it doesnt become to much. i have an allocated university and NVQ mentor.

We recieve a lot of support through access to our mentors both supervisor, manager and academic tutors. This can be for either work based issues but also personal life problems.

I recieve a satisfactory amount of support, i am aware they are there if i need them however, i have probably not made the most of this opporuntity yet.

Due to living at home i am able to cope with a standard salary. I am based near to work and so transport costs are not an issue. I am also aware when i will recieve pay rises and the opportunities i could get if i perform well on my apprenticeship and this motivates me.

Yes, there is an apprentice association who organise social events but also sports and activities to stay healthy but also meet others within the business. There is a fitness club and many events to get involed with

Yes

Rolls Royce has a great reputation and provides great support for its employees. I believe i am well treated and I have a lot of pride when i tell people i work here. Studying for an Honours degree alongside work is competitive but a great opportunity due to the money i have saved and experience i am gaining.

Make sure you research into the company as much as possible both in terms of how the business is doing but also its values, vision and where it wants to go. Be prepared and confident to take the lead in group interviews or assessments and demonstrate as many skills as you can.