Supply Chain Apprentice Review

My role includes placing purchase orders and monitoring and sending order books, these are sent on a weekly basis to get frequent updates on all my orders. This results in frequent communication with suppliers and building relationships. I also deal with Non Conformance Reports (NCR's), which is when an order is delivered to our stores incorrectly, this might be through incorrect packaging or not providing the correct documents.

I have learned multiple skills throughout the apprenticeship. I have learned all about procurement as my knowledge prior was very basic. I have also learnt about the main business acronyms that can be used outside of Babcock. My communication skills have definitely been developed throughout my apprenticeship, this includes challenging conversations and how to approach them. In addition I have learned to negotiate to get a better price on parts.

I would say on the whole I really enjoyed my apprenticeship. I was given the opportunity to try 2 different placements. The first one was difficult as I wasn't as busy as I'd have liked, so I wasn't learning too much. Where as my second one was much better, the work was more consistent and the team were lovely and helped me when i needed it.

It is well organised to some extent. I was meant to experience 4 different placements, a new one every 6 months for 2 years. My first one was 8 months long, and my second was 9 months so by that point it was more practical just to stay in my second placement as I was just starting to get comfortable with the work load. So unfortunately I missed out on two placements. The scheme was also extended by the college due to covid

You receive sufficient support from the employer. When you start you get a line manager and a mentor. The mentor programme was good as it allowed you to speak to someone who wasnt your line manager. Unfortunately for me however my mentor became my line manager as my original line manager did not have enough time to give me work and things to do. However, the apprenticeship coordinator was really helpful throughout and asked frequently how i was getting on etc.

The support from the training provider was variable. At times it was great and at other times it wasnt so great. We had weekly sessions to learn however unfortunately the majority of these were over teams as the teacher did not want to do face to face sessions. Learning over teams was very difficult and a number of people did inform the college of this. The college are helpful when entering the EPA as i had multiple meetings with them to monitor my progress.

The qualification definitely benefited my performance in work. The things we were learning were extremely relevant to what i was doing in work so gave me the theoretical understanding of why I'm doing what I'm doing. The practical work I was doing also benefited my academic performance as my exam results improved over time.

My work often plan social events. These are usually when a member of the team leaves, or to celebrate the end of the financial year. These were a great way to meet new people and talk to colleagues outside of the work environment. Work also invite employees to courses that may benefit you, for example, at the start of my apprenticeship I was given the opportunity to go on the quality course, I also have been invited down to the naval base in Portsmouth to actually see the parts I procure in real life.

Yes

The main reason would be that the people are so friendly. I have made multiple friends through work and there are also a lot of apprentices so you never feel alone. The offices are really nice and a comfortable place to work in. The flexible working hours have been a huge bonus for me and have allowed me to be sociable outside of work and not restricted me in any way.

Depending on the role you apply for, management will tend to employ based on you as a person rather than qualifications. If you are lucky enough to get an interview, just be yourself and show you can fit in well to a team and this will reflect really positively on yourself.