Supply Chain Practitioner Review
at BAE Systems
Level 3 Apprenticeship
Supply Chain Management
Samlesbury
Review Submitted: May 2024
Overall Rating
4.3 /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
-
Overview of Role
3/5
-
Skills Development
4.4/5
-
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
Throughout different placements this apprenticeship scheme offers exposure of all elements of the supply chain including: ERP systems, Planning, Logistics, Sales & Operations, and Procurement. It allows to work within a team building your skills and establishing an in-depth knowledge of practical Planning and Logistics processes. Daily tasks vary between all placements.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
4/5
I enjoy the closeness to the product you can have, as well as the extra knowledge you can gain being surrounded by people that are passionate for what the company does. Being surrounded by people that a keen to enable your develop has been something I have really benefitted from. For my programme as a whole, having the amount of real life exposure in I have received has enabled me to develop quickly and boost my confidence in these roles.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
3/5
From this scheme I have gained confidence and integrity through my exposure in the work environment, as well as building a substantial knowledge of the supply chain as a whole through college days and placement work. Having an abundance of different placements really enables you to grasp the most out of this opportunity, hopefully preparing me for when I exit into the business at the end of my apprenticeship. Going on 'Outward Bound Trust' at the start of the scheme allows you to focus on your develop against the company's values which gives you a good path to follow throughout the rest of your time. College learning is delivered by skill coaches internally at the ASK which is onsite at Samlesbury. You attend this around 2 days a month.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
4/5
Having the college days be on a monthly bases allows for a good balance between college work and placement work. Utilising the 6 hours of off the job each week gives more than enough time to complete the assignments that I receive on a monthly basis. In placements, we have regular progress reviews with our line manager and early careers to evaluate my development and find areas I have done well/where I could approve.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
5/5
The line managers are always keen to help you develop as much as possible, giving you as much exposure to their area of the business. This especially helps with a lot of the managers being ex-apprentices themselves so they know how important the support is.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
4/5
The are available for support at all times, not just on college days. In terms of the scheme, they give assignments that cover a topic which is good for revision and ensuring you have a substantial understanding. They brief us from the start on what is required form us at the end of our apprenticeship which allows a precise path to achieving up to our greatest ability.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
4/5
I think it gives a good overview of the supply chain, not just at BAE, which gives you the opportunity to transfer this knowledge to other areas/companies. Whilst learning this course, you can often relate the theory to the practical in your every day job which allows you to have a good overall knowledge.
Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)
5/5
There are so many opportunities I have come across in my apprenticeship scheme so far.
Examples include:
STEM Ambassador
Newsletters
ASK Events
Apprentice Council
There are many opportunities that spring up on a ad-hoc basis, including opportunities that can arise through apprentices arranging events themselves/
Examples include:
STEM Ambassador
Newsletters
ASK Events
Apprentice Council
There are many opportunities that spring up on a ad-hoc basis, including opportunities that can arise through apprentices arranging events themselves/
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend BAE Systems to a friend?
Yes
Why?
The network, exposure and experience that you can gain through this scheme is so beneficial if you are looking to start a career with an abundance of opportunities for growth. On a apprenticeship scheme there is a wide age range, with anyone at any stage of their career journey can join and be well supported. It allows for you to become very independent quickly and empowers individuals in their ability in their different roles.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to BAE Systems?
Advice:
-Give yourself goals for 5 years time (where would you see yourself)
-Try and reach out and network with people at the company
-Network with as many people as you can
-Research the company and know why you would want to work here
-Give yourself goals for 5 years time (where would you see yourself)
-Try and reach out and network with people at the company
-Network with as many people as you can
-Research the company and know why you would want to work here
