Procurement & Supply Chain Apprentice - Commercial

Coming out of sixth form, I knew a degree apprenticeship was my preferred path, as the balance between university and professional working life seemed the most beneficial route for my personal development and career. Having maintained a keen interest in aviation for a number of years, when I discovered the Airbus apprenticeship programme and saw its significant benefits like travel opportunities, competitive salary progression, half-day Fridays and much more the decision was a no-brainer.

I was offered the role and began the apprenticeship in Filton, Bristol, in September 2023, and I have already had amazing experiences within the company. I have gained hands-on experience across a breadth of different areas through structured placements, including Supply Chain Quality Management, Procurement and Purchasing, Manufacturing Engineering, and Production Planning. I was particularly fortunate to visit Toulouse, France, for training which also allowed me to tour the A320, A330, and A350 Final Assembly Lines. I have also visited the home of Airbus wing manufacturing in Broughton, Flintshire multiple times through various projects and even completed a six-month placement there, where I gained critical experience in production-based departments. All of these opportunities are actively encouraged by my managers, who consistently prioritise and support my development.

Beyond the hands-on placements and amazing travel opportunities, my experience has shown me that Supply Chain itself is a hugely diverse and ever-growing profession—a central function to almost all businesses, particularly here at Airbus, given our reliance on a vast number of suppliers. Right now, with our production increases, the Supply Chain is a major focus, meaning there are countless opportunities to get involved in critical projects. This central role has allowed me to see the entire production process. Furthermore, the role has constantly offered me incredible chances to visit and interact with many other businesses across the Airbus supply chain, which is a real eye-opener to different company cultures and ways of working, fundamentally broadening my professional perspective.

Some of my favourite moments so far have included my two-week trip to Hamburg, Germany, where I attended a specialised Supply Chain Quality Management course, significantly enhancing my technical understanding, and giving me the chance to explore the vibrant city. Another highlight was the week-long development residential experience in the Lake District. This was an incredible experience, involving activities like lake swimming and gorge walking, and provided a great opportunity to network and build relationships with apprentices and managers from other Airbus teams.

Not only have I gained invaluable workplace experience, becoming proficient in crucial tools like Google Sheets, Apps Script, and SAP, but it has fundamentally enhanced my confidence and soft skills, enabling me to be much more comfortable and successful in a professional environment.

All in all, my degree apprenticeship has been an outstanding experience that has both developed me and prepared me for a career within Airbus or the wider supply chain and procurement sector, providing unique opportunities that I wouldn't be able to get anywhere else.