Quality Degree Apprentice / Supplier Quality Assurance Manager Review

The first year and a half was a 10 week block with each role within the Quality Assurance department, giving me experience and an overview of each. Whilst doing these placements I completed small projects in line with each role (e.g. implementing ATP testing). I then got placed into the Supplier Quality Assurance Manager role (role dependent on vacancies and team structure at time of placement into role) and have been fulfilling this for 3 years.

This apprenticeship was my first time working in a manufacturing environment, so as well as a lot of KSBs developed generally as part of entering this working environment, I've had some specific QA related training. This has included but not limited to intermediate food safety, HACCP level 3, allergen awareness, etc.

The programme is very intense as fulfilling a full time job whilst doing a degree is a lot of work. But it is very interesting and has developed me greatly, both personally and professionally. I've had multiple opportunities through the apprenticeship I wouldn't have had otherwise, like: meeting various senior leaders at Nestle, visits to other Nestle sites and head offices, work and training with Nestle academy.

The Nestle side of the programme has been very well structured from the start, with clear goals and targets set out from the start. The NTU side of the apprenticeship started off very disorganized and confusing, however this settled down in year 2 as the uni and companies started working together and communicating more effectively.

My employer has always provided the required 20% off the job time for university study (this includes the four one week blocks a year). With these university study days being flexible - i.e. more during busy assignment periods or exams, and less during quiet uni times. My manager has always given advise, proof read assignments or supported practice presentations when asked.

The university has supported greatly during my study time. Regular catch ups one on one with my mentor meant any issues were identified and resolved quickly, then annual meeting with both the university, myself and my manager, meant all parties involved were aligned. The university did everything in their power to support us getting the best grades we could.

Specifically for my current role in quality assurance some of the modules were incredibly helpful, like the food safety, food biochemistry, and food law modules. Then other modules gave me a good insight into other functions within the company, and have supported my participation in projects and other activities onsite.

My workplace is a food production factory, and for two of my four and a half years onsite we have been in a lockdown due to the pandemic, so there have been no extra-curricular activities. When I first started, there were various opportunities to volunteer in the local community with Nestle, however these are yet to restart since the pandemic.

Yes

Nestle is a global company that has careers right from hands on factory floor roles to office based roles, with something for almost everyone available. They have the perks of working for a huge company whilst still having small teams and sites that prevent staff feeling like just another number.

Nestle has a one team approach, and so are always looking for team players and candidates who they will be supportive and collaborative in a team. Candidates showing they take initiative and act proactively always stand out in the interview process. Read the job listing carefully, and make sure the points in it are addressed in your application or CV.