Supply Chain Logistics Apprentice Review

We have 3 month placements around the factory and we get given objectives at the start of each. Typically we will be given a couple of projects to complete over the course of a placement. This could involve working with Operations, and other business functions and even managing a supplier.

Over the past year and a half I have developed many skills such as presentation skills, teamworking and computer skills. We will often be asked to complete an "End of Placement" presentation where we would present the projects we would work on and the other tasks we would do. We also get the chance to volunteer, which is a great opportunity to increase confidence.

The program has presented many opportunities and it is a good company to be a part of. The program I am on (Supply Chain & Logistics) is a good course as is more specialized, we do however still get to see many different areas of the business. The volunteering opportunities we are offered is a good chance to build a network with the other apprentices and this makes a more enjoyable experience.

My program is smaller than the others. The apprentices on my program get a bit more freedom as we manage our own placement tracker and so we can choose where we would like our placements and in what order. This gives the apprentices a chance to improve their own organization skills.

Our employer takes a back seat during the apprenticeship and will usually contact you when there is something wrong. The early careers team will deliver a monthly communication to all the apprentices which is how they keep up with the apprentices. They also schedule quarterly one to ones which is an opportunity to share any concerns.

The training provider in the form of NVQ assessor and lecturer are very good, however they can only go so far in helping the apprentices before they need to consult with the business. The lecturer we have is very good and you can email them on the weekends and receive feedback. The NVQ assessor is also very good and will try their best to help.

In terms of NVQ it is really good, they will help as much as possible and give you plenty of direction, which means when you come to doing work you are less stressed with the workload you have. In terms of college it has some useful facts but not much that can be applied so early on in our careers.

The site has a football team and regularly play matches. They also have a community called Gen-A (Generation Airbus). They host all kinds of activities such as trips to Manchester Airport and various airshows. They also host clubs such as language clubs which is really good. There is an education liaison team which offer opportunities to volunteer to do presentations or workshops at schools as well as career fairs to promote apprenticeships at the company.

Yes

Because it is a really good company to work for and a good place to develop new skills and learn about a manufacturing business. Once you're in the company they will look after you, for the most part. It is good security. My highlight has been volunteering for various activities and seeing the Beluga up close.

Try and do as much as possible before applying, come to open days, come for work experience, research the company and maybe volunteer somewhere to be able to show various skills that employers like to see such as team working and problem solving.