Procurement and Supply Chain Apprentice Review

On a day to day basis I am placing orders on IFS, expediting orders the are required urgently by chasing suppliers for an improvement. I process order acknowledgments and PODs. I also update the system with the weekly orderbook updates. I attend regular meetings to keep me up to date with how my work is helping the customer. I also close Invoices so suppliers can get paid. In addition to this I run the daily report on excel.

I am able to communicate more effectively with all my customers both internally and externally. I have developed my excel skills by using more formulas, I can collate information more effectively and am able to present it in the most appropriate way by using pivot tables, graphs etc. I have also improved my organisation within work, being able to manage my workload effectively has helped me work better.

I really enjoy the programme it gives you the opportunity to work in 4 different areas within supply chain to see what you a most enjoy and are good at. This also allows you to develop your skills a lot more which is great. For each placement different skills and knowledge are required in order to do the job well.

The structure is good, there are 4 placements, we change every 6 months and move to the next placement. We have college/study days on a Monday so we can concentrate on our exams in CIPS, then every 8-10 weeks we have exams. Depending on your line manager and team will depend if you are allowed to take any extra study days from home.

We receive a lot of support if we require it. All you need to do is ask if you are struggling with the exams and the work load. In my placements all the line managers have been very helpful and want you to do the best you can within your studies not just well at the job which is great.

We have a block of 6 weeks, every Monday we have to attend our class and get taught by our teacher. Then we get 2 or 3 Mondays at home to study and revise over everything we covered in the past block, we then have our exams. The college is very helpful they keep you well up to date with any issues or changes. If did require support you just need to ask them and they will do their best to help.

The qualification is very relevant. As I am covering more topics in my studies I am becoming more aware of where and how they fit into my role. I am also able to use it to help me improve as I have up to date knowledge on certain topics with the supply chain.

There are a lot of extra -curricular activities. I partake in STEM events which are very rewarding and good fun. Babcock also do a lot of sports such as Ashton (South Bristol site) vs BTC (North Bristol site) football and cricket matches. There is an event called "How far can you get in 10minutes" this is on a bike, swimming or running. They also do a lot of training sessions to help improve you as an apprentice but also improve day to day skills.

Yes

I would recommend them because they are a great company to work for as an apprentice you aren't made to feel like an apprentice you feel like a fully fledged member of the team. Everyone is very friendly, helpful and approachable. If you had any issues the HR team re very quick to respond. The work is also very interesting and everyday is different.

I would tell them to do there research about the company. A Babcock person likes it when people know a bit about the company. It shows that you care about the company and are interested in it rather than just the job/apprenticeship. The assessment day was very well organised everyone was welcoming and friendly.