Supply Chain and Logisitics Review

On the supply chain apprenticeship you rotate through logistic based placements and procurement based placements which help give you an end to end view of the supply chain. There is so much variability within the apprenticeship and the roles you could be doing meaning everyday could be different from the daily tasks such as running reports and expediting suppliers, to arranging the transport of parts on site. There is plenty of opportunity to network with the different business areas internally whether that be HR, Programme Planning or even Facility Management. Not only that, as a supply chain apprentice you will interact with external customers to the business which will in turn develop your confidence and give you a wide network of people going forward in your career. As an apprentice you are often given project bas tasks which enable you to take ownership and responsibility of something and implementing positive changes within the business.

The apprenticeship has massively helped my confidence in both talking to new people and presenting in front of an audience. These skills are so important and developing them was one of my main goals so that I could transfer this into other aspects of my life in and out of work. I have developed a deeper understanding of the manufacturing industry and was even given the opportunity to complete 6 months practical experience in a workshop.

The program itself can be very challenging at times having to sit academic exams, but seeing the result for your hard work makes it very rewarding. You have to be very self motivated to put the work in to the academic side of the apprenticeship in your own time which sometimes means making some social sacrifices.

The apprenticeship program is very well structured in terms of CIPS and NVQ qualifications which is run through providers outside of Airbus. Training needs are continuously reviewed to ensure apprentices are up to date with the organizations minimum standard. As a supply chain apprentice, we take ownership of organizing our own placements and so have flexibility to say areas we would particularly like to go.

The business areas are extremely supportive in helping the apprentices achieve their goals on a work and academic level. The support is there upon request but this may not always be communicated as well as it could be. They offer a whole directory of training which can help if you are struggling in particular areas, such as presentation course etc.

The training provider for CIPS is always available to support. They provide us with learning materials in the lessons which we attend once a week, an support outside of this via email. The provider is always asking for feedback on ways to improve our learning experience. CIPS is not specific to just Airbus employees but also other business and it's great to learn from their experience as well as share our own.

The qualification has many modules all of which go into detail for the knowledge of a procurement professional. There are many crossover with procurement and logistics which help understand the bigger picture of the supply chain which is applicable to a big organization like that of Airbus. In the future having this understanding will hopefully enable my career to go in different directions. The qualification goes into the theoretical side of negotiating, sourcing, finance, stakeholder management etc..

There are several groups that come together to organize different events, socially or for charity. Gen A hold regular social nights out- this is a common thing in both UK sites and those abroad. The social nights out allow apprentices, particularly those who have moved away from home for the job, to meet new people and network in a fun environment. There is also a language club to learn from others on site who can speak multiple different languages.

Yes

The organization is really keen on developing its future talent. There is lots of opportunity to work in different functions, and also abroad. It has great benefits, including the pay, and the benefits scheme that all Airbus employees get access too. Its a great way of learning new skills and gaining qualifications on the job whilst being paid for it without the student debt

Ensure you know the role that you are applying for; for instance being able to give an example that demonstrates your understanding of logistics, procurement or supply chain as a whole. Make sure you research Airbus and know what it is we do and make. Prepare yourself in advance of your interview and be yourself!