Materials Management Trainee Review
at Ibstock
Degree Apprenticeship
Engineering
Aldridge
Review Submitted: April 2025
Overall Rating
4.1 /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!
4.5/5
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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:
5/5
I work with the ceramic engineering team to solve process issues around multiple factories. I shadow experienced team members and work with the site technical team and site management to help fix and improve key processes such as drying and firing. Projects can include installing new structures and machinery.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
4/5
As of now, I am massively enjoying my programme. I feel as though I am pushed and challenged day to day to build my knowledge and understanding in a way that keeps the role interesting every day. I enjoy spending time at university with my fellow apprentices during block weeks, and I enjoy my time working with the ceramic engineering team.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
4/5
I have developed many specific skills relating to the job, including a proficiency in kiln & dryer work with mass balances, burner work, and SCADA use. I have also developed many soft skills such as communication through interactions with site teams & management, teamwork through working with fellow apprentices and my team to achieve results, and leadership through helping fellow apprentices in areas where I am confident.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
3/5
From my experience, I feel that the programme is well organised, the early careers leads and mentors do a good job of giving information and helping you throughout. The organisation of the university course could use some work, as day to day, the lecturers seem disorganised and our timetables are subject to change with little notice. The course itself seems to be structured well, however can sometimes be difficult to take in all of the information across a block week. In terms of the structure of the programme, it seems slightly dependent on the site and mentor, with some apprentices starting on the back foot because of this.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
5/5
I receive a great amount of support from my mentor. He helps with everything from day-to-day issues to larger things across the programme. When I need time during a work day to complete university work, I am given it, and when I feel like I need to spend time doing something new, he facilitates it. The careers team also provide good support. Overall, my employer provides a great amount of support.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
2/5
I am unaware of the support given by the training provider. This is because I have not been to them for support.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
3/5
I feel like many soft skills are gained through the qualification that can be utilised in many aspects of the role. The knowledge gained from my university course can partially be used within my role in the company, however, many topics do not directly correlate.
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 activities to get involved in, including professional networking, team-building events, and social activities. The company also holds some sporting events, such as fishing competitions. Through my apprenticeship, I have become a STEM Ambassador, attending events like careers fairs and STEM talks.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend Ibstock to a friend?
Yes
Why?
Overall, I have had a massively positive experience at Ibstock. My treatment has been great, I enjoy what I do, and I earn & learn whilst doing so. Like any company, there could be a few improvements, but I would definitely recommend Ibstock.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to Ibstock?
As for apprenticeships, my advice would be to apply to a role you are passionate about. Research the company, its history, and its policies. Show a keen interest and keep this interest up if/when in post, as if you are eager to learn and better yourself, the company will support this.
