Rating

9.8/10
  • 1. Please give an overview of your role and what this involves on a day-to-day basis:
  • I'm a digital marketing assistant in web services. My key responsibilities include making reports, European support and minuting meetings. My manager gives me projects to do that take a considerate amount of time, that not only helps meet my assessment criteria but also gives me experience. Examples of the projects I have done are, a documentation on product catalog configuration which was shared to marketers and the DPH in the company. I also created my team's site on SharePoint.

    9/10

  • 2. Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
  • I've become more confident, particularly in terms of meeting new people. Part of working at 3M involves meeting with colleagues frequently both over Skype and in person. When starting a job in a big company, like 3M, it can be very daunting, but as time has passed I've been able to communicate more confidently. Also, as part of my apprenticeship I traveled to London for 8 weeks of training. Here, I learned valuable skills in subjects such as: email marketing, web development, marketing concepts etc.

    9/10

  • 3. To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
  • I really enjoy the programme and working at 3M. The 3M environment is very relaxed, yet maintains professionalism - people respect the system and so it makes the work environment very enjoyable and fun to work in - I have never been stressed or felt overwhelmed during my time here. My team is great, everyone is willing to help and as the team is relatively small everyone get's on well.

    10/10

  • 4. How valued do you feel by 3M UK?
  • I feel very valued by 3M, particularly by my team. I think this is due to my involvement in the daily tasks. When I have been out of office for long periods of time, e.g. for training, my colleagues have voiced how valued I am when I come back.

    10/10

  • 5. How well organised/structured is your programme?
  • Very organised. The programme provider (QA) have set guidelines when it comes to training, support and studying. I have 8 weeks of out-of-office training that must be completed. I get to choose the dates I go, but it's often once a month. Also, I have monthly visits with my QA assessor who offers any support I may have, regarding my coursework or my placement. Furthermore, the studying is stretched over the entire duration of the apprenticeship. Typically, you complete a unit whilst you're at training but you also have on-site units that you complete for the benefit of the company. Every time your assessor visits you, they will give you a new unit to do. It's recommended to spend 2 hours a week on your on-site coursework. In terms of support from 3M, it is brilliant. I have fortnightly and monthly catch ups with my manager and members of the team and they also give me projects to do to aid my coursework.

    10/10

  • 6a. How much support do you receive from your training provider?
  • Loads. I meet with my QA assessor roughly once a month, where you have a general catch-up and go through completed coursework. As well as this, you can contact your assessor at any time through email or phone. They are always keen to help you.

    10/10

  • 6b. How much support do you receive from your employer?
  • I receive a lot of support from my employer. I have monthly and fortnightly catch-ups with my manager and colleagues. As well as this, if I need help at any time, members of my team are always happy to help.

    10/10

  • 7. How well does your salary/package meet your costs?
  • I've personally found that my salary meets my costs well. As I still live with my parents I don't have to worry about bills, rent etc. When I had to travel to London for my training, the cost came to £108, which was a significant amount of money to leave my account at once. However, I never found that I struggled for money, and the money is reimbursed on expenses.

    10/10

  • 8. Are there many opportunities outside of work?
  • At 3M, there are sport societies and a gym. Also, employees of 3M sometimes organise events, e.g. Christmas parties, Happy hours and general get togethers. My team often organise team outings and meals out together.

    10/10

  • 9. Would you recommend 3M UK to a friend?
  • Yes


  • 9b. Why?
  • 3M is a great environment to work in. For such a large company, it's not daunting at all. The environment is relaxed, friendly, quiet and you fit in instantly. Also, 3M is very flexible. I can't talk on behalf of all the teams at 3M but my team is very flexible in that you can work from home if needed and you can work flexible hours to fit your lifestyle. Everyone at 3M is friendly and willing to help. In the year I've been here, I have never been unhappy or felt unwelcome.


  • 10. What tips or advice would you give to others applying to 3M UK?
  • Prepare for your interview and do research on the company. This is such an important step to do, and most people overlook it. When it comes to the interview, it is a one interview process. 3M understand that you're not going to be an expert in the field you're applying for so don't panic about them asking you hard questions! It's really just a chat for them to find out about you as a person.


Details

Level 3 Apprenticeship

Information Technology

South East

January 2017


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