Laura's Apprenticeship Journey with ODS

Summary:
Laura is completing a Procurement and Supply Assistant apprenticeship with ODS, partnering with Oxford Professional Education Apprenticeships. With a foundation in Business and Law from her A Levels, Laura was eager to find a practical approach to further her education. 

The apprenticeship has turned out to be a perfect fit, enabling Laura to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world procurement tasks at ODS. Her manager, Natalie, has highlighted the positive impact the apprenticeship has had on the company. In addition to gaining valuable workplace skills, Laura has introduced a fresh perspective to the team.  

Challenge:
One of Laura's primary challenges was navigating the unfamiliar world of procurement. Balancing the demands of learning complex terminology and processes, with her workplace responsibilities, proved to be a demanding task. 

Solution:
To address these challenges, Laura has made good use of the resources available to her, including study days and support from her manager, Natalie. ODS has also provided a mentor system and a community of apprentices for peer support, ensuring that Laura can always reach out for advice or guidance when needed. Laura's structured learning through the CIPS modules has enabled her to gain both theoretical knowledge and practical experience, helping her grow in her role. By participating in real procurement tasks, such as supporting supply set-ups and contract extensions, Laura has been able to apply her studies to her daily work. 

Feedback:
"The apprenticeship has been a great experience. I've enjoyed learning alongside my job, and the support from both ODS and the OXPEG team has been invaluable. It's given me the chance to apply my knowledge in a real-world setting and develop new skills."
Laura - Procurement and Supply Assistant Apprentice