Supply Chain Degree Apprentice Review

It has changed throughout my apprenticeship, ranging from managing the reporting of launches to brands; then becoming Supply Planner which meant managing stock levels and communicating with a range of stakeholders to communicate issues and ensure there is stock; finally moved to process improvement.

I have developed quite a few skills (both soft and hard skills). Initially I didn't see much improvement but overall I have developed a lot, able to analyse complex pieces of data and communicate effectively; as well as host meetings and innovate solutions to problems confidently.

I have found a lot of value in doing it given the professional experience I have gained so I enjoy feeling very proud of that; however I didn't enjoy my job and found it hard to fit in to my team which did affect my happiness.

Except for basic necessities I didn't feel like there was much structure towards the DA role except offering half a day's study leave for assignments. Other than this it felt like we were just handed to our managers without a structured universal development plan.

Regarding support I would say it is very good. I felt like I could contact my manager and my team on anything I was struggling with (for example workload) and they were very understanding and supportive. Sometimes it feels as an apprentice you are looked over as 'just an apprentice'

Towards the tail end of my apprenticeship when working on my EPA the support has been incredible. I would say my training provider does try a lot to provide high quality, useful sessions, but you have to be proactive in seeking help if you need it.

I have found almost no relation from what I have learnt in my qualification and my role. I have always been sceptical of degrees as being invaluable theory that isn't representative of work, and apart from the Self-Managed Learning modules, this felt exactly the case. EPA is great though.

There are many extra-curricular things you can get involved in. Unfortunately I think they were too late including my cohort in social events that they offered to interns but not apprentices (or at least felt this way), but they are trying to now and many other events and fun activities.

No

I'd say it depends on the person. I haven't enjoyed the culture, but if I think someone else would then I would recommend it. I think there's a lot of value and great benefits, but sometimes feels inauthentic from the inside.

Really push for development and proper training, and if you are not getting it then don't be afraid to escalate to HR, Uni and your manager's senior. Every day should feel like you are learning and if you don't then you should definitely push for it.