Phoebe Learoyd
Phoebe started her Supply Chain Apprenticeship at the York office when she was 20 years old, working across a variety of Nestle brands and the Nespresso business where she made an impact within the product portfolio to increase efficiency and reduce waste.
Having completed her course in June 2023 – three months ahead of schedule – she is now working full-time in the Nespresso team.
We're all part of the same team, and everyone's opinion is valued.
I grew up wanting to work as cabin crew at an airline, but during Covid it didn't seem like the best idea!
I wanted a career with opportunities for progression and an apprenticeship seemed like the perfect starting point. I'd enjoyed business studies at college, so the Supply Chain Apprenticeship seemed like the best fit for me.
I spotted the role on the government website and asked around to find out what it's like working at Nestlé – most people in the area know somebody that's worked in the factory! Everyone I spoke to said that they really look after their employees and nurture your talent. That's definitely been the case since I joined.
Making yourself heard
In supply chain, we make sure consumers can get the product they want, when they want it, while being as efficient as possible by reducing the amount of waste and maintaining product quality. There's a lot of forecasting and predicting behaviour, which I find really interesting.
Across the three-year scheme I had the opportunity to work in three different functions across supply chain which focused on different priorities including customer service, supplier management and ensuring supply. Seeing how the whole process works helped me discover what I enjoy the most and has stood me in great stead in my current role. You can take best practices from each team and think about how you can apply them to different parts of the business.
For example, within my time at Nespresso, I put forward ideas about reducing the range of plastic tubes packaging we have in our market to make cost savings while still delivering the choice our customers want, which the leadership team took on board and put into action. Nestle have a culture where all opinions are valued and respected as we're all just part of the same team.
Transferrable skills
Coming out with a qualification is a big bonus. Everything you learn from your studies is really relevant to what you're doing every day, and all the on-the-job knowledge you gain helps with your studies.
You also develop so many new skills outside your learning, that apply in any work setting. It’s helped me become a great communicator and given me an understanding of all the different perspectives you have to consider whenever you make a decision. I'm also better at influencing and getting people on board with my ideas.
I would tell anyone thinking about an apprenticeship to apply and you too could be starting a career adventure like no other. There are so many things you can do, and if you're passionate and driven there are so many opportunities to keep growing.
By being part of an apprenticeship scheme has allowed me to flourish professionally i have been nominated externally for awards related to my completion of the apprenticeship scheme and achieved Apprentice of the Year 2023 which was awarded by OAL the awarding body for my scheme. I am so excited to see what other success i have within my Career now that i have the vital skills learnt by being an apprentice.
