Business Modern Apprentice Review

A business apprenticeship which consists of five different placements around the business, either experiencing the same function on different platforms or different functions on a similar platform. The day to day work varies with the placement.

I have learnt new skills over each of my placements so far, but I have also had the opportunity to develop skills that I had gained in a previous placement. These skills can varify from being technical to communications.

The variety of work and the different areas experienced throughtout my apprenticeship makes it more enjoyable. Also the different people I have worked and interacted with have made it more enjoyable to learn about peoples different styles.

So far I believe I have been fortunate to be placed in teams that understand the value that apprentices can bring to the business hence I feel so far that throughout my development I have been able to contribute to the business. However I understand that there are areas / individuals in the business, although a minority, that still have an 'old fanshioned' view of apprentices and in such an environment I think I would feel less valued by the company.

The programme is clearly set out into 5 placements and our particular function lead in incredibly organised when decding which placements indviduals will go into. But she also always considers what would be best for the apprentice an dnot just what would be easiest for her when she is making these decisions.

Support is recieved in the form of 12 weekly reviews and some NVQ reviews which are designed to highlight and address any problems and help that is needed. However there can sometimes be a delay between contacting your assessor about NVQ work and recieving a response.

As already mentioned there is a function lead who is responsible for supporting the apprentices in that particular function. This individual in particularly offers a great deal of support to anyone who needs it. The teams I have also had the opprotunity to work in so far have also ben very supportive.

For an apprenticeship, the salary is quite favourable compared to others. However the site you are based at can make a big difference on costs as a much greater distance can cause a huge increase on fuel costs but I understand that this comes as part of the job.

Alongside my day job I have had the opportunity to get involved in various different activites that exposes me to a variety of different areas and people.

Yes

Although there are improvements that can be made, overall the business apprenticeship with BAE Systems can create great opportunities for young people as long as they put the effort in to match it.

I would recommend to take every opportunity that you get as this will just you the greatest exposure to the business and people as well as developing a variety of different skills.