Supply Chain Leader L6 Degree Apprentice Review

My role as Supply Chain Leader Degree apprentice involves two, two year placements. I am currently in the second year of my first placement and working as a First Line Manager in a busy retail distribution centre. Being a First Line Manager means that I run a department within the operation, managing the finances, work planning, work allocation and people within that department. Every day looks different and can involve anything from planning work volumes to dealing with disciplinary cases. I enjoy the variety that my job role gives me.

I have learnt a vast array of new skills in my current job, including forecast planning on excel, financial management as well as dealing with complex HR cases such as disciplinaries and grievances. I have greatly developed my people management skills due to the nature of my role and now feel entirely confident in running a department of 50 - 80 people alone which I could have never imagined before I joined!

I very much enjoy all aspects of my programme. My programme involves 80% on-the-job and 20% university work. I find the on-the-job experience invaluable and feel that it will set me up perfectly for a career in supply chain. Every person I have met in the industry is willing to help me develop. My university work is equally enjoyable and I find it supports my on-the-job experience perfectly. We visit campus once every six weeks so still get to enjoy a taste of university life!

The programme is incredibly well organised. It is split into two 2 year placements. At the beginning of the programme you are allocated to one site which will be your first placement. Once you have completed your first year, the apprentice team begin work to match you to a second placement which will be good for your development. The process is well organised and stress free. We are entitled to 20% of time to study so take Friday's off of work to complete university work. This is something which is very well organised and fully supported by the business.

Since the beginning of my programme the support from both the centralised DHL Emerging Talent team and the management team at my placement site has been wonderful. Apprentices are widely known throughout the business so receive support from all areas including the senior management team - we have monthly catch ups with the Vice President of our business unit. At no point during my apprenticeship have I felt unsupported or nervous to reach out as all support groups are friendly and always willing to help.

My training provider - Aston University - have provided plenty of continued support throughout the apprenticeship so far. We have weekly university lectures during which there are plenty of opportunities to reach out for support. Furthermore, we have been allocated individual university professional mentors who are members of the teaching team. They hold quarterly reviews with us and our line managers to discuss any support needed for both the qualification or in work. They are very willing to help us manage the work / study balance.

The content that we study in university is in many ways directly linked to the work completed in day-to-day roles. Many assignments require us to use real-life data from our own businesses which not only develops our understanding of the university curriculum but also of our business as a whole. There are many skills and techniques (such as forecasting) that I use on a frequent basis at work.

There are plenty of social activities. I joined during the Covid-19 pandemic so face-to-face interactions were limited, however, despite this the Emerging Talent team did everything in their power to keep us connected and networking including virtual escape room sessions and hat making competitions. There are also many opportunities to visit professional networking events - for example I competed in the 2021 Big Logistics Diversity Challenge representing DHL. Finally, DHL have an internal social media which opens up lots of extra curricular opportunities and networks including the LGBT network etc.

Yes

DHL is a huge organisation which provides almost endless amounts of opportunities and new experiences to set you up perfectly for your career in this industry as well as being one of the best to learn from. At the same time as being a large organisation the people in the business have a way of making you feel very supported at all stages. I have never met somebody unwilling to listen or to help within DHL.

Whilst it may be daunting applying for an apprenticeship with such a large company, it is important to remember that your interview experience is as much about you deciding if it is the right place for you to work as it is for the interviewer to decide if they want you. Take every opportunity that is offered to you and don't be afraid to be selfish for your own development!