Operations Director Review
at Southbourne Rubber (SBR)
Higher Level Apprenticeship
Manufacturing, Business Operations
Portsmouth
Review Submitted: March 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
-
Overview of Role
5/5
-
Skills Development
3.8/5
-
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
My role involves overseeing and managing the company's day-to-day operations, ensuring efficiency, productivity and alignment with the company's goals. Having a large focus on process improvement and resource management.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
3/5
I have enjoyed my time at SBR, and the support that I had from the leadership team during my apprenticeship. Although, there were times that I was unsatisfied with the training provider, and the support that they offered.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
5/5
During my time at SBR, I have developed my product and industry knowledge, as well as my leadership, time management and finance skills.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
4/5
The course was very well structured, in terms of the units provided and how this related to my role at SBR. Unfortunately, there was a lack of communication with the training provider, which did negatively impact my learning.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
5/5
My employer was extremely supportive throughout the duration of the course. They gave me plenty of time to complete my work, and also supported me with additional training in areas that I had no prior experience in.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
2/5
During the onboarding and the first half of the course, my training provider was very supportive. However, this went down hill during the lead up to my EPA, which was disappointing.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
4/5
There were elements of my qualification that greatly helped towards my role. The course itself was very relatable to my role at SBR, and the skills that I developed were easily transferable.
Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)
4/5
There are often exhibitions, open days, and the opportunities to visit customers and suppliers.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend Southbourne Rubber (SBR) to a friend?
Yes
Why?
The team is really great, everyone is friendly and supportive. There is a huge focus to support employees and encourage growth within their carers. The company is very progressive and always looking for new ways to improve. There are also good company benefits, such as bonus schemes, cycle to work schemes, pensions and holidays.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to Southbourne Rubber (SBR)?
A great way to learn new skills and gain knowledge about the business is to work in all the different departments. This experience can help an individual to develop in their career at SBR. There are many opportunities to enhance your understanding of various job roles and the aerospace industry.
