Business Apprentice Review

I Work as a Commercial Apprentice within the Commercial Team, this involves problem solving and reviewing documents like Software Licences, Contracts and Terms and Conditions. I also work with excel on Pricing and generate proposals after getting sign off approval. Within my function I work with the finance team, engineers, the export team, project managers, other commercial team members and face to face with customers. As an apprentice within the commercial team I work on real life projects (Which I cannot detail for confidentiality reasons) and it is important to get all work reviewed before submitting external responses due to the nature of the function.

I entered the scheme after A-Levels and currently I am working on a Level 3 accredited Business Administration course which I study for in house by creating write ups and a portfolio of work. I have also completed my Personal Leaning and Thinking Skills booklet and Employee Rights and Responsibilities Booklet. There are currently discussions around funding for degree level qualifications. I have learnt a number ok skills specific to commercial and also developed existing skills such as prioritisation, organisation and teamwork.

I am given real life work in a fast paced environment, the work is challenging and varied giving a great opportunity to learn. The Company culture is brilliant with principles such as respect, innovation, customer integrity and people excellence. I had to apply twice to get onto the scheme but it was definitely worth it.

I am given real life work to do, this shows the company trust me as an apprentice to work on live projects and value my input. I have end of placement reviews with line managers and twelve week reviews with the apprentice manager in which we receive feedback on our performance throughout the placements. I have received two vouchers for excelling in a year and half and feel like a highly valued member of my team.

On starting at the company we attended a three day STEP induction course which was designed to set us up for working in a business environment and provide key information with relation to security and health and safety. I knew which training course I would be on prior to starting the apprenticeship and was enrolled three months after (to cover the probation period). I have had a number of professionals offer mentoring and advice.

I have a NVQ assessor who is able to contact another assessor for quality assurance reasons. We have weekly meetings which ensures my NVQ remains on track. Any issues I have I know I can contact the apprentice manager directly who is very approachable.

I have both the apprentice manager and line managers who have all been very approachable and showed an interest in the scheme and my progress. I have not had to use the HR Team however know my point of contact should this be required. Overall I feel I am very supported and know the contacts required should any issues arise.

This is the best salaried apprenticeship I have seen around with a lot of opportunity after the scheme (hence applying twice). I live local to the company and therefore all transport costs are comfortably covered by the salary.

I attend a number of customer meetings but also school careers events to promote the scheme. The company runs charity visits and things like rounder's tournaments outside of work hours to fund raise for charity. We have a food bank for the local community and a reduced gym membership scheme at a local gym.

Yes

The apprenticeship is fast paced, interesting and you are given real life work to complete. As an apprentice you are respected, given time to focus on studies and your own amount of responsibilities. The salary is generous and there is lots of support.

The application process is online - take the time to fill out the online form. Still apply if you don't quite meet all the criteria but can show a passion for the scheme. Be prepared and calm for the interviews. I would have liked to have more confidence in my capabilities.