Supply Chain Apprentice Review

My role is to ensure the supply of materials into the factory through building and maintaining relationships with suppliers. I manage the relationships with suppliers for Buxton factory who produce water. A big part of this role is working on sustainability projects to reduce the amount of single-use plastic in our supply chain.

I've massively improved my time management skills by moving from an operational to non-operational role. In the past, my job has been very structured and every day would be similar. In Procurement, every day is different and I have to manage my time to ensure I meet deadlines. I've also improved my communication skills through working with suppliers all over Europe.

I really enjoy my programme as it has given me an opportunity to experience three different roles. I've worked in Customer Service, Logistics and Procurement in three years and every role has been a completely new learning experience for me. I'm really excited about finishing the apprenticeship as it has opened so many doors for me within Nestle.

Due to COVID, we weren't able to attend sessions at college as much as I had expected. However, our learning switched to being online very quickly and I think this was handled well. My college tutors are very supportive and have helped me reach a point where I am ready to enter Gateway.

A lot! Whenever I have needed to take time out to work on my apprenticeship or increase my off-the-job learning, I've been able to. Some roles were less flexible than others but, as long as I communicated with my managers, I could always fit assignments into my work week. My current manager went through the Supply Chain Apprenticeship like me so is well aware of what it takes to complete all of my work so is very supportive.

My training provider has been extremely accommodating as there have been occasions where I have needed extensions on my assignment deadlines. Communication is key and I've always felt like I can reach out to my tutors for support. I have regular catch ups with my tutors and workplace mentor to ensure I am on track.

The qualification has given me insight into Supply Chain as a whole and has allowed me to understand the whole process without having to work in every single area. It has provided me with theories that I can use in my roles and it excites me putting what I have learned at college into practice. For example, I used the Pareto theory when analysing issues with suppliers.

Before COVID, I would go to the gym at work and take part in spin/HIIT classes. Each team I have been a part of have encouraged meals/nights out so that we can spend time together outside of work. I have also been to multiple careers events and signed up to be a mentor to an A Level student.

Yes

Nestle provides a flexible and challenging work environment where people want you to succeed. There are so many different ways your career can go so there isn't lots of pressure on having it all figured out. You are encouraged to try out lots of different roles to decide what interests you. I feel like I have always had a good work-life balance but have been able to challenge myself and work longer hours when I felt capable. You really can shape your own future.

Just be yourself! Nestle don't employ people based on their grades or degrees, they employ people because they are ambitious and they show potential to do well. They want to see that you're excited about the opportunities and that you're willing to work hard for them, not just score an 'A' on a knowledge test. I would also encourage people to apply more than once as my first application to Nestle was unsuccessful and it worked out for the best.