Procurement and Supply Chain Apprentice
Location: Devonport, Plymouth, England
Sector/Business unit: Nuclear
My apprenticeship, why I chose it, and why I chose Babcock:
Through the Higher Level Supply Chain and Procurement Apprenticeship, I am working towards achieving a CIPS Level 4 Diploma in Procurement and Supply, whilst also gaining multi-disciplinary experience within the Supply Chain and Procurement function at Devonport.
I chose my apprenticeship programme because I was keen to continue my own personal and academic development whilst earning. I also knew that I had strengths in developing and managing relationships and that these strengths would help me when working closely with suppliers and colleagues at Babcock.
My typical day:
As part of the apprenticeship, I have a chance to gain experience on a range of placements. So far, I’ve had the opportunity to work in the following areas: Planning and Inventory Management, Operational Procurement, Logistics, Warehousing and Strategic Sourcing. Each day is different, and my activities depend on the placement I’m doing, but some of the responsibilities I typically have include:
- Placing purchase orders with suppliers
- Issuing requests for quotations to suppliers and collating responses
- Managing supplier order books and expedite deliveries
- Managing stakeholders
My favourite part of the job:
My favourite part of the job is that I get to meet and develop relationships with a range of people, working with different colleagues and teams within the supply chain.
I also enjoy being part of the Babcock Health and Wellbeing Network. By joining this network, I have been able to form friendships with other apprentices training in different disciplines. I have since been able to begin my mental health champion training which allows me to support other colleagues’ wellbeing whilst supporting my own.
The most challenging thing I’ve ever done to date:
The most challenging thing that I have taken part in, is planning and hosting pop-up events with suppliers to allow Babcock’s Devonport workforce to meet and engage with a range of suppliers. I also worked with my placement mentor to present to senior directors which was challenging but my most rewarding experience so far.
