Supply Chain and Procurement HLA Review

The apprenticeship allows you to move across the Supply Chain over the course of 2ish years, with objectives and responsibilities within each department. This allows us to pick up a variety of skills and a vast range of knowledge on how Babcock's supply chain operates. Covering operational procurement, strategic procurement and logistics, managers within each area help set your objectives for the 3/4 month placements, ranging from day to day activities, learning opportunities and larger projects. These are aimed to both allow us to learn about the area, whilst also contributing to it's workload.

I have learnt many skills throughout my time, and been able to apply them to each area effectively. Examples include operational procurement (spanning the R2P process), Supplier and Stakeholder relationship management, strategic planning and analysis, contract negotiation and management, data skills (analysis, SharePoint and excel creations) etc. Each of these helped at different segments f the Supply Chain, whilst also helping me understand the roles and purpose of the functions too.

The plan and layout of the apprenticeship is very well thought out to allow apprentices to learn and develop at every stage of the supply chain, an opportunity that most people within the procurement function don't get. Because of this, we move from team to team in order to understand the full picture. This does mean that enjoyment of the scheme can vary from time to time due to different managers and teams, however there hasn't been a point in which any of it wasn't useful, and the vast majority of teams put in 100% effort in making sure I got the most out of my time with them.

The structure of the programme is very well laid out to give you the opportunity to see the majority of Babcock's supply chain, and also allows room for flexibility. This has come in handy to move some placements around due to workload, helping me get the most out each one. You also work in 20% of your time on the CIPS programme, which managers are aware of so you can study in peace.

Babcock provide the CIPS course you undertake whilst on the scheme, however the responsibility of your work is left up to current line managers and yourself. You will receive regular check ins throughout the time and a lot of communication with the Early Careers team within the department, however they don't babysit you throughout the work which allows you to take responsibility and make the most of your work. The EC in the department is very well run and provides a community for support and guidance, and the outer business provide the opportunity for free counselling if needed too.

The training provider has varied for people across the team dependent on who personally provides lessons and learning, however my experience was very good. Activities and "homework" where given to allow you to keep on track with the courses, and the lessons where in a small group allowing for lots of contribution for everyone. My main issue comes with CIPS themselves rather than the training provider, giving very sporadic and tight timelines for exam bookings, which during the pandemic also led me to having to take multiple exams at once on a few occasions. I also think their marking times are excessive.

When the content of the course matches up with your current placement, it can be very helpful, however there are periods when both seem quite distant. However overall I think your understanding of procurement helps when learning from the course, as being stuck to your on the job learning can give you an isolated view of your business, rather than procurement as a whole.

Babcock have a sports club which membership grants access to gyms, grass and 3g pitches, swimming pools etc. I have personally not joined but just throughout working I've played football with members of teams. I have also partaken in a "be-kind" day in which we planted trees for an environmental organisation. Socials depend upon the department but get invited to them on a regular basis.

Yes

Lots of support and opportunities to challenge and best yourself, competitive pay grades, good working hours, and lots of potential to move within the business both vertically and horizontally if needed. Have had Babcock recommended to me before joining and i have recommended the scheme and business as a whole to others since.

Research both the role and the company before joining. This allows you to make sure it's right for you, and showing base knowledge of the business always helps in interview situations. Never be afraid to ask questions, and you can always reach out to people in the business when applying to ask for any advice or tips. If you are considering applying - do it.