3PMO Coordinator BPC Review

My role involves the coordination of new projects and supply chain optimisation at 3rd party suppliers. This involves regular interactions with multiple 3rd parties and numerous projects covering Oral Care, Pharmaceuticals and Deodorant products. Outside of technical project work, I also lead the interactions between the different functions of the two organisations and implement improved ways of working. I also travel at least once a month to 3rd party sites across Europe. Alongside this I am completing my degree apprenticeship in Business Management with the Open University, integrating my studies into my working practice.

I have developed my personal and professional skills greatly through both my study and the experiences within my working practice. My understanding of Supply Chain operations is growing every day, which is invaluable given the context of my organisation. Additionally, being able to take the learnings from my study and apply it within the workplace is incredibly satisfying. It's also an important point of reflection, being able to see for yourself what approaches do (or don't) work for you in the workplace.

I've thoroughly enjoyed my programme since I've started. In fact it's the second apprenticeship I'm doing with the company, the first being a Level 3 apprenticeship and I'm now completing a Level 7 degree apprenticeship. I think this alone shows the commitment the organisation has to developing people. Being an MNC there is an abundant source of help and support, both with the programme and also within my role.

My programme is very well structured through the Open University. The distance learning approach actually fits very well within a work context, because it brings with it an 'always on' approach. Resources are always accessible and guidance is only a few clicks away. The courses are also structured in weekly blocks, showing exactly which session you need to complete in that week. You really can't get lost/confused. Currently I am given 1 day per week to dedicate to my study which meets the 20% government allocation. My only criticism of the structure is sometimes modules double-up over a few months. This creates periods of very high workload, although they are manageable as line managers are very supportive.

I receive a great deal of support. Firstly providing me with 1 day per week to concentrate on my studies is a huge help and this has been well respected throughout my course (no last minute requests to cancel the day). I have great support from my line manager and I also have a mentor within the workplace to support with my professional development and future career. Thankfully I have had no problems with my course so far, although I have no doubt the support network would be there should I need it.

My training provider is regularly in contact through email and I have quarterly catch-ups with my tutor which is a frequency that works for me. There is a strong level of independent learning during the course, but I find this learning approach suits me well. My practice tutor is supportive and fields any ad-hoc questions and there are online tutorials where parts of the module are presented online.

As my apprenticeship has progressed I've found the content gradually become more useful within my work context. Having started my degree apprenticeship after 3-4 years of employment, some of the topics initially I found slightly under challenging. Being an apprenticeship, it means approximately 50% of my course is assessed by work based learning, that is the application of knowledge & skills within the workplace. I believe this is the fundamental part of apprenticeships that set them apart from all other forms of learning and give you the best skills to be successful.

There are plenty of events to get involved in and supportive with. There are apprenticeship groups, away days and events within your own teams at work. Although they have been slightly restricted during COVID-19, they are beginning to return again. Some of the most valuable extra-curricular activities aren't the pre-planned ones. Throughout my apprenticeship I have met knew people who I have become friends with outside of work, and activities are planned from there!

Yes

Unilever have supported me through 2 apprenticeship programmes, which is a huge testament to their commitment to people and their development. As a multi-national, the number of opportunities within the organisation are limitless. Certainly my first thought when I joined was "if I end up not liking what I do, I'm sure I'll find something" and having held 3 roles during this time already I'm continuing to find new and exciting opportunities. With that, I think the breadth of people you get the chance to work with so rewarding. You interact with people all over the world, which is a benefit few organisations can offer.

The process I went through when joining Unilever wasn't anything abnormal. There are a number of interview rounds, so make sure your CV is well updated and you have some positive experiences you can reflect on. My main piece of advice would to show your enthusiasm for the role - what are your passions, your purpose, and what is it about Unilever that you see yourself in? If you can answer those types of questions, you'll be in a great place.