Sustainability Apprentice Review
at Woodland Group
Higher Level Apprenticeship
Environmental Science
Chelmsford
Review Submitted: March 2025
Overall Rating
4 /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
3.8/5
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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
Day-to-day my main role is to produce various carbon reports for clients and customers based on their shipments with us. These are sometimes done manually, or done by pulling primary data from internal systems. I also produce hypothetical carbon reports to show different routing options and the emissions associated with each different route. I also work on larger projects like the company wide sustainability report, and the corporate carbon report too.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
4/5
I do enjoy my course because of how varied it can be. While I do have set tasks that make up the majority of the role, there is always something different or a smaller side project going on at the same time that gives me the chance to try something new.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
4/5
I have learnt effective communication skills as I have to interact with a wide range of internal stakeholders from all areas of the business. I also have developed better time management skills, learning how to prioritise certain tasks over others in order to meet deadlines. I have also built up my confidence too.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
3/5
While overall the programme is good, I do think there are areas for improvement relating to organisation at times. Sometimes information provided can be inconsistent between different contacts and there is often confusion relating to tasks to be completed and when it comes to explaining workload.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
5/5
I receive a lot of support from my employer, both from my line manager and from the training manager as and when needed. They are both always available and willing to help and raise any issues that need to be addressed.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
4/5
The training provider is very hands on and readily available for support as needed. I have regular one-to-one sessions, as well as regular group sessions with others on my course, and others at the same stage as I am in the apprenticeship.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
4/5
I feel as though I learn a lot of content through my qualification that doesn't have much application to my job role, as my job role is quite specific in terms of aspects of CR&S. I am focused on environmental sustainability, whereas my qualification also puts a large emphasis on social sustainability and community. While this is interesting, and good knowledge and skills to have, it is not particularly relevant to my role.
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 volunteering and networking opportunities with my company.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend Woodland Group to a friend?
Yes
Why?
I believe my company is a very good organisation to work for as there is a good culture and lots of opportunities for progression.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to Woodland Group?
I would encourage others, especially my age group, to look into the apprenticeship opportunities at the company. There are so many options and areas of the business to go into and each one will have some apprenticeship linked to it. They are a great opportunity to try something new and exciting, while ensuring you have the necessary support, and you learn on the job.
