Operations Degree Apprenticeship Review

My role was based at the Halifax Nestle Factory that made Quality Street, Afte 8 and Easter Eggs. My role very quickly became manufacturing based and i was part of the After 8 team. A normal day would include a daily operational review meeting every morning in which we would go through numbers and issues in the last 24 hours. The rest of the day would be spent problem solving issues.

I learnt how to operate several of the lines in the After 8 department. I was able to run regular checks and cover the lines when anyone needed a break or if we had to run through lunch. I was signed off on these machiens which is a legal requirement.

The programme itself was not for me at all. What started as an Operations Degree Apprenticeship very quickly became a Manufacturing Apprenticeship and there was a misunderstanding with what i had signed up for. I feel i was very unfortunate in my situation however it has led to an excellent position in the business and i can take great achievements and skils from the apprenticeship.

I was part of the first year of this course and it seemed very much a test and learn as they hadn't run the programme before. It became more structured throughout the 3 years but initially, the confusion meant it lacked structure and clarity until i had a new manager. He was then able to set me on my tracks and support my development.

The academy were helpfuland they were my main contact for any problems. The support from my manager during the first 2 years was very poor and i had limited interaction with them. After finally moving departments and managers, i was able to gain much more support and had support from several stakeholders in the business.

During my time at Sheffield Hallam, I had a lot of support throughout the weeks of University. Once the course leader changed, this became much better as they were a much more approachable person. This meant that it was very easy to ask for help and extra support. It is always hard to access this support virtually after the weeks in Sheffield, but the provider made it easy to do so.

I personally think the course really helped me to get to where i am today. My course was business based with certain operational courses which assisted my learnings and project work within the factory. The other modules on commercial topics really helped my current role. The work based investigation was a great way to combine all my learnings from work and university into one project.

This was never something that happened in the factory, they are very results based and you only really seem to talk about work. To my knowledge, there weren't any activities to get involved in in the local area. On a bigger picture, the academy ran some fun filled events for us to participate in.

Yes

Nestlé is a great business to work for and once you start working for them, there are so many options and routes for you to go down. It is completely moulded by you and your Line manager and if you get the right people around you, it is very achievable. You have to work hard to get where you want but they are very good at offering this developmental support for your career. The pay is also very motivating along with great employee perks and packages.

Be yourself in the application process, Nestlé like to see real people that want to work for them and show passion to the business. Always look for development opportunities. Be confident and don't be afraid to voice you opinion or challenge anyone. Make sure the course is for you and do your research!