My Name is Anni Griffin and I’m now Material Developer in Reebok Canton. Before that I have been a Functional Trainnee with Global OperationsGlobal Operations (GOPSGlobal Operations (GOPS) is the overriding organisation for all functions which help to create products for all adidas Group brands and get them to the marketplace. Everyday Global Operations teams across the globe ensure products are created, tested, commercialised, mass produced and shipped to over 70 countries around the world.) is the overriding organisation for all functions which help to create products for all adidas Group brands and get them to the marketplace. Everyday Global Operations teams across the globe ensure products are created, tested, commercialised, mass produced and shipped to over 70 countries around the world. and now I want to share my experiences from this time, from my rotation in LO Vietnam and my key learnings with you. My Functional Trainee Program (FTPThe Functional Trainee Programme (FTP) is a key programme for filling our global future talent pipeline for different functions. The FTP offers top graduates with excellent academic performance as well as relevant internships and international background the opportunity to spend 18 months gaining functional knowledge by rotating in different departments while being involved in daily business and project work.) began at the Reebok HQ in Canton. Through the programme I received the opportunity to travel to Vietnam and work with our factories and colleagues from the LO.

Now back in Reebok Canton, I look out of the window and notice the brick red track that circles around Reebok. Like Reebok’s track, the FTPThe Functional Trainee Programme (FTP) is a key programme for filling our global future talent pipeline for different functions. The FTP offers top graduates with excellent academic performance as well as relevant internships and international background the opportunity to spend 18 months gaining functional knowledge by rotating in different departments while being involved in daily business and project work. is circular and fluid. In order to run a mile I must circle the Reebok track four times. Similarly, to execute my programme I must complete four rotations.

Lap One: I begin in Materials starting off a strong warm-up
Lap Two: I achieve momentum on the track in project management and pattern making
Lap Three: This is a crucial part of my Functional Trainee mile – I sprint to Ho Chi Minh City, to be part of the LO Vietnam team
Lap Four: I cross the line and run on to strongly finish and complete my mile in the costing rotation

My motivation to join Global OperationsGlobal Operations (GOPSGlobal Operations (GOPS) is the overriding organisation for all functions which help to create products for all adidas Group brands and get them to the marketplace. Everyday Global Operations teams across the globe ensure products are created, tested, commercialised, mass produced and shipped to over 70 countries around the world.) is the overriding organisation for all functions which help to create products for all adidas Group brands and get them to the marketplace. Everyday Global Operations teams across the globe ensure products are created, tested, commercialised, mass produced and shipped to over 70 countries around the world.

I chose to participate in the Functional Trainee Program due to the incredible learning opportunities that comes with it – the relationship and network building across three rotations, and the experience of living and working abroad. Coming from an apparel design background, I chose to be a Functional Trainee in Global OperationsGlobal Operations (GOPSGlobal Operations (GOPS) is the overriding organisation for all functions which help to create products for all adidas Group brands and get them to the marketplace. Everyday Global Operations teams across the globe ensure products are created, tested, commercialised, mass produced and shipped to over 70 countries around the world.) is the overriding organisation for all functions which help to create products for all adidas Group brands and get them to the marketplace. Everyday Global Operations teams across the globe ensure products are created, tested, commercialised, mass produced and shipped to over 70 countries around the world. because I wanted to expand my knowledge base of the business, sourcing, and technical side of the industry. I wanted to learn and fully understand all the significant pieces that actually build the product.

My journey to LO Vietnam and back

Anni's colleagues in LO Vietnam: Linh Nguyen, Dai Ho, Hong Phan, Vikram Walia (from left)

I was given a set of targets to accomplish while in Vietnam. I was to understand the overall functioning of an apparel factory, be able to draw and visualise the complete production life cycle of a garment,  understand what motivates and drives a supplier to form relationships with the LO Vietnam team, and learn from their team culture and detailed group functioning.

Vikram Walia Senior Merchandising Manager, LO Vietnam constructed my Sourcing Rotation Calendar, mentored my progression, and was always available for advice and feedback. He had designed my programme so that each week I would spend time and learn about the LO apparel departments. During my first week in Vietnam I was greeted by the adidas LO team with special warmth. My nerves and anxiety of living in a foreign country subsided upon meeting my fellow team members.

My rotation started with Esprinta Factory. Vikram informed me this is one of Reebok’s flagship factories and has always partnered with the Brand and LO in producing collections such as Armani, Toning, and presently, the CrossFitCrossFit is a strength and conditioning programme with constantly varied, high-intensity, functional movement with the goal of improving fitness. CrossFit is closely associated with the Reebok brand. and Delta collections. Here I was given access and training to every area within the factory, and studied the production line in great depth.

Over the next six weeks I trained and worked with the materials team, technical services, the production team, and finally the costing team. With each week my education and training went more into depth on our business.

Great experiences a job in the bag

Family Day in LO Vietnam

I experienced many highlights on this rotation. I attended final costing meetings on FW12 products between the LO team and the factory and participated in direct development transition meetings with the factories. This gave me an excellent forecast on future development. Additionally, I visited knit and woven mills and witnessed the yarn dye and piece dye process. I spent time in numerous printing facilities to understand the detailed operation and costs behind the process. Over the nine weeks I was in Vietnam I visited many T1 factories representing different company groups, levels, and ranges of product.

Through the education I received in Vietnam, I went from being a Functional Trainee with minimal factory knowledge to completely understanding the key concepts of factory organisation and efficiency.

This rotation has helped me broaden my knowledge base. After the Vietnam Sourcing Rotation, I transitioned into apparel costing rotation, and completed my 18 month Functional Trainee Program in the beginning of April. I am now hired full time by the Reebok Material Development and Innovation team as a Developer Materials Apparel.

To find out more about the Functional Trainee Program, see ‘Being abroad in Panama with the Functional Trainee Program‘