Assistant Buyer Review
at Severn Trent
Higher Level Apprenticeship
Marketing
Coventry
Review Submitted: March 2023
Overall Rating
3.9 /5
The Overall Rating is the average of all the ratings given in each category. We take those individual ratings and combine them into one final score!
3.5/5
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Overview of Role
4/5
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Skills Development
3.8/5
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Structure and Support
Overview of Role
Please give an overview of your role and what this involves on a day-to-day basis:
4/5
Overall, i would describe my role as a way for the business (STW) to buy correctly and also efficiently. Because we are a regulated company there is specific regulations we must follow in order to spend customers money well. On a day to day, I would interact with finance, legal and the relevant department. My pervious placement was in Technology therefor that's where my stakeholder were.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
3/5
I am not necessarily sure weather this role suits my personality and is something i would look to pursue long term as I am quite a bubbly and people person and enjoy helping and developing others . However this doesn't mean I am not enjoying it, I am thoroughly enjoying learning new things and appreciating the experience which is being provided to me.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
4/5
the new skills i have developed is amazing, not only in my role but as an individual as well. I have developed my communication skills and building relationships with stakeholders has been one of those extremely transferable skills. Whilst here i have had the opportunity to learn about systems such as SAP which i think is super valuable. Severn Trent have provided the appropriate training along with support from my external learning provider
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
2/5
I don't think Procurement was necessarily prepared for an apprentice. When I joined i felt like a burden to the team i was in and was given jobs i felt as if they just didnt want to do rather than things that would benefit and contribute to my knowledge. When moving over to FM there was more structure to my move and more of a roadmap for me
How much support do you receive from your employer?
5/5
As an apprentice I receive support from my line manager, mentor, HR, the academy and the New Talent Network there is always someone to speak to and lean on for advice. The support is business wide across multiple different areas and departments which is useful to get an alternative perspective of things
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
5/5
The support i receive from CIPS is great, there is two study workshops (lectures) which are whole days for each module. In addition, there is 2 revision sessions as well as 1-1 and further support per exams for under 19s. the sessions are really interactive and there's a constant stream of communication with an email inbox
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
4/5
I think the qualification gives a lot of relevant information and scenarios which you can link to my role. it also gives insight into the wider procurement process and what other peoples roles within my department look like. It also shows how people link and the procurement cycle is almost a necessity to know
Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)
3/5
There is a range of extra curriculars on offer, I am aware of football teams and whilst this isnt my cup of tea and too my taste its great to know its an option. There is endless opportunities to network with different talks and events to socialise amongs others which are interested in the same topivd
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend Severn Trent to a friend?
Yes
Why?
I think Severn Trent gives a great sense of community. it is a really diverse place no matter age, race gender or sexual orientation. I think there is a great support network and excellent opportunities to progress and completely own your career development and progression. Everyone has a great aura and the atmosphere of the office is uplifting
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to Severn Trent?
i would simply recommend to be yourself. Especially with apprenticeship, Se4vern Tre4nt are employing based on personality traits and what you can bring to the business. As long as you show what values you are adding to the company and being confident in the qualities and traits you have, then Severn Trent will love to have you
