Hello, my name is Elizabeth York. I am currently a first year Procurement graduate on the BAE Systems Graduate Development Framework (GDF). I graduated from Lancaster University in July 2008, with a BA in History. My employment started at BAE Systems Submarine Solutions with a summer placement during 2007, within the supply chain function. I returned to Submarines to start the GDF in September 2008 and here are my experiences so far…

DECEMBER 2008

After a week long induction which involved getting to know the business, and meeting the other 60 new graduates during a sports afternoon at Submarine solutions, I began my first placement where I stayed for four months.

My first placement within the Supply Chain was with the Supplier Development department. I helped to support the activities and be responsible for performance improvement of the supply base using the Relationship Management, Business Excellence, Manufacturing Excellence, and the toolsets recommended by the SC21 (Supply Chain for the twenty first century).

The purpose of Business Excellence is improving business performance systematically, based upon customer focus, and stakeholder value. I took part in this assessment with a supplier in Rhode Island, USA. This opportunity allowed me to experience the wider picture of the supply chain and how to manage, behave and act with International suppliers. I gained a greater understanding of working with a supplier and implementing tools such as process and project management, and how Business Excellence focuses upon results, leadership, people development and continuous learning, among other fundamental concepts.

I also participated in Manufacturing Excellence which involved assessing the shop floor of a business and reviewing their productivity. I used the fundamentals of Manufacturing Excellence's ‘lean manufacturing’ and ‘just in time’ philosophies to identify improvement opportunities to the supplier’s production area. The Relationship Management techniques allowed me to assess the communications between the buyer and supplier, and I was able, with the use of a questionnaire, to implement best practice principles and customs in the buyer’s day to day processes.

MARCH 2009

After gaining an understanding of the Supply Chain I wanted to gain a greater breadth of the business and decided to go for a placement in Project Management within Submarines. After searching for my own placement I found one which suited me in the Integrated Logistics Support (ILS) Management Team. In this crucial time before the submarine exits Barrow, I was able to assist in the Project Management and support the delivery of the Astute Integrated Support Programme (ISP). This included working alongside the key ILS output owners to assist in the delivery of their specific areas.

My day to day activities involved supporting the output reviews which provided the output owners actions with which to move forward and also provide progress to senior managers and raise issues to a higher level. Following this I got the opportunity to liaise between senior managers, the MOD and Ship’s staff to try and find solutions to issues including supporting the output owners at Feeder meetings and 1* reviews where necessary. Support mainly came in the form of developing frameworks and processes to ensure that the ISP was managed in the most effective way possible, as well as ensuring that all actions and issues are captured. This placement allowed me to gain valuable experience dealing with the management of the eight outputs. It was challenging at times, especially when dealing with the prioritisation of stakeholders.

APRIL 2009

I decided after Project Management I would like to be part of a team where all my new skills could be used and expanded upon. My placement in Supply Chain, Complex Systems has been extremely challenging and rewarding. I have been jointly managing a major supplier L3 Henschel, USA. This has involved assisting in the placement of future contracts for ICS (Internal Communication System) and CIS (Computer Information System), for the Astute Class. My daily activities are the management of availability of these complex items for boat 1 Astute as the programme approaches exit Barrow. This includes the management of milestone achievements and cross functional involvement working closely with Engineering, Operations and Commercial. These activities are critical to the boat programme and exit Barrow, which makes my day to day activities extremely interesting.

MAY 2009

Part of the graduate scheme also gives you the opportunity to take part in stretch assignments. I was the Operations Manager for Top of the Form 2009. Top of the Form is a knock out University Challenge type competition, which is in its third year. Each team has two year 10 pupils and two year 11. The competition is comprised of three rounds of questions and practical challenges.  The event is produced entirely by Graduates, with support and financial backing from many local companies. The aim is to promote science, engineering and Mathematics, post GCSE.

The 2009 team included 17 graduates and 3 apprentices, who took on the challenge of producing what has been described as an “excellent competition.” The team raised over £2500 in sponsorship, extended the network of schools which entered the competition, improved on previous years set, as well as being responsible for all marketing and promotion. The grand final was described as “the best ever!”.