FC Associate 1 Review
at Amazon
Level 2 Apprenticeship
Logistics and Operations
Bowburn
Review Submitted: April 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!
4/5
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Overview of Role
4/5
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Skills Development
3.6/5
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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
Packing customer orders securely in order for them to be moved through the logistic system to the customer. Also, working in a technical area, overseeing and maintaining and supplying the mechanisms that apply address labels to packages then moving them to be shipped. I ensure workstations are stocked with pack materials; deal with health and safety matters; and carry out training of other staff.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
4/5
I have enjoyed developing my knowledge of LEAN working; 5S audits and working; and the overview of the logistics field. The structure of the course and the materials presented have allowed to me to carry out extensive research and I have discovered areas of knowledge I had not expected. I look forward to carrying on the learning journey.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
4/5
Developed skills with regards to instructing, training, and coaching new and existing staff. I have learned about carrying out safety audits and inspections, and reporting on them. I have developed mechanical skills, servicing and overseeing the numerous conveyor systems, as well as the lable printer/applicators used to produce customer order address labels.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
4/5
After an initial, unbalanced, period the structure of the course was amended and since then the feed of learning has been well maintained. The introduction to topics has been well done, with follow-up modules that came later building on them. The spacing of the virtual classrooms (despite their flaws) through the course was also well done.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
3/5
On the whole my leadership team has been supportive, allowing me to use my 'off-job' hours as I needed them. I can say that I have had no issue with the HR side of the office, as I have ended up being the sole student in my FC, so I have had no problem accessing a laptop, or a room to carry out my work. However, the fulfilment of the Improvement projects I have to carry out has been an issue (largely due to work circumstances, as well as being solo); and if there were more students I cannot say that enough computers/room would be available
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
4/5
My tutor, has been very supportive, responding to messages promptly; providing any information/support needed; and giving insight and encouragement as required. She has seen most situations before and has been great with the advice given about how to deal with matters that have arisen. While ensuring work is done she has also been great at seeing when flexibility is needed.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
4/5
The knowledge gained has been very useful, while not being specifically necessary for the work I do. I have gained an insight into the background of decisions made in the facility, which in turn allows me to explain matters to colleagues who may not see the 'big picture'. I have more confidence in interacting with other area of the business, including senior management.
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 are some, at present largely geared towards supporting our work with local charities. Some staff-developed groups are developing, organising social gatherings and activities. As the wind-down from Covid lockdowns continues there is a gradual growth of activities within the FC, which I am sure will develop into extra-curricular ones.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend Amazon to a friend?
Yes
Why?
Amazon will allow you to develop many skills, and if you show interest in different work you can receive a lot of support, from courses to apply for to even obtaining funding to train for other industries. It is literally a situation where the more you put in (and ask for) the more you can get out of it.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to Amazon?
Expect to work in a manual, physically active environment, with a large degree of repetitive work. There are times where there may be inactivity, but they are to be taken advantage of rather than being 'bored'. There are a lot of opportunities to develop, with training in other fields available, but if you are happy doing a single task you will be allowed to do so. If you want to try something: 'Ask and you shall receive (usually)'
