Commercial Apprentice Review

I'm a commercial apprentice on this degree apprenticeship, rotating around marketing, sales, HR, and supply chain for 6 months each, before doing a year long placement in one of those functions. Over those 3 years I get a business degree, and then have to stay for a fourth and fifth year. In supply chain - procurement - I draaw up contracts and other various legal documents for our suppliers, and lead a project on eliminating waste (like cracked chocolate) across our factories by selling it and generating extra revenue. On an evening and weekend, we do coursework for around half of the uni grade.

I became qualified in Microsoft Excel Specialist, first aid, and am studying the various parts of my degree on block leave at Sheffield Hallam. The theory learned on the modules at uni go well with the first hand experience (unless we've already done the placement). We have the opportunity to attend other internal courses to learn about the departments, present better, etc.

On paper, it's a very good programme, and the university weeks are very good. The teaching is good quality from experienced tutors. There is a real struggle with work-life balance, with owrking 40 hours a week and doing degree assignments on top of that, which makes it less enjoyable. The work varies by placement, but there is a definite inconsistency among students, with some being treated more favourably than others (bonuses, pay rises, job opportunities, etc). This makes it much less enjoyable predictably, as there should be consistency and fairness on such an apprenticeship scheme.

Some managers connect better and more regularly with employees than others, but generally we are able to have open and honest conversations. Due to the aforementioned issues with some being favoured and some being punished despite doing the same jobs and largely the same performance on grades etc, I do not feel valued considering my comparative performance to the other students and the long hours I work. Especially considering the amount of money I bring in for the company.

It is well structured from a university perspective, and the modules make clear what we will learn, how it will be assessed, and what happens at the end of the scheme regarding joining the Chartered Management Institute etc. Some work placements received little to no inductions (marketing), while others have a plan in place for when we arrive (supply chain, HR). This often determines how good the placement will be. Managers are generally good at delegating tasks and being there for support, with some placements leaning toward too much work and some being too light on work.

We have contact details of people from Sheffield Hallam who oversee our program and can deal with issues with the university, which is great.Generally, we don't need much from them, and don't have much contact. For the Chartered Management Insitute, we now have quarterly chack ins to ensure we are on track to providing the evidence required.

At work, when we begin, a 'buddy' is assigned who will be in the year above and help us get settled in and find our way around. We also get a mentor who is more senior, and can provide more general career advice and experience to draw upon. If we have a complaint, there is no real procedure to follow, and the course of action ends up being very informal.

Nestle claims to be a Living Wage company, but I don't think I receive this (16,000). Students in London obviously receive more. This can be stretched to meet living costs for those living at home or who receive extra money from parents, but for people who have to pay rent, or don't want to live with a bunch of strangers, or have real bills, this is not sufficient, and a couple of people have to get jobs on the side of this 40 hours and degree.

There are conferences and team days we attend, and we get 2 volunteer days if we want to use them and help in the community. We have to visit schools and present there. There is a gym in the London ofice. Depending on department, there are opportunities to visit factories or stores of customers with which we work. There are/were also weekly gym classes.

No

For the reasons above about salary/package, and also the unfairness and inconsistency between students who are really still learning. The rating system is heavily subjective and despite any evidence presented, allows the employer to do as they wish without consequence.

The business situations assessment online is a real representation of what it's like in the company. Be friendly and cooperative during the assesment centre, and very open and friendly giving the presentation - don't worry though, because they want you to do well. Be yourself, because they look less at your grades and more at if you are a good fit personality-wise. Remember - you're deciding if you want to work for them as much as if they want you!