Business Management Apprentice Review

I am a Business Management Apprentice in the Procurement function at BAE Systems, working in the Raw Materials team. I'm currently working on a large scale project involving the transition from an existing supplier to a new supplier - my role is to coordinate and manage the action log daily, which includes internal and external interaction to ensure all stakeholders are involved. Other daily tasks include raising VBO's and producing reports on such.

I am currently in the process of completing the ECDL course, alongside Project Management at college. As well as this, I've attended multiple training days internally. This includes Procurement Awareness, Beyond Delivery and Estimating. In my first two placements I have learnt how to manage a team and stakeholders via email and face to face as well as time keeping and prioritising workload.

I very much enjoy the programme, with the combination of classroom based learning and hands on work experience in the office environment, it gives the best of both worlds. The teams I have worked with have been friendly and welcoming, and continue to encourage my development at BAE. The work is continuous in keeping me busy and is always exciting and new, which is a plus!

I am always being thanked by my team and manager for the work that I do, which makes me feel appreciated and a valued member of the team. As well as always being given the opportunity to be involved with important projects, this has led to recognition from a supplier who has congratulated me on the work I've done so far.

I believe the induction could have been structured differently to include more information about the business and the type of work the apprentices would be involved in, as well as what the functions are. However, college is well structured and I feel I am succeeding in this. I have a mentor who is always available if I need assistance or a chat.

My assessor is always available if I need assistance with work or college and is quick to answer questions. There is access to multiple support teams including 2nd year and ex apprentices, who have been a great help to me in my current role. I feel the support at BAE Systems is to a high standard as all my colleagues fully support the apprenticeship and those on it.

Both the teams I have been in have been fully supportive of my development at BAE Systems, including making sure I'm involved in supplier visits/reviews and constantly learning. I've been appointed a mentor who is always available if I need support with work or college and is always willing to find an answer to any questions if she can't give one.

Living in a shared house means I have bills/rent to pay monthly, as well as daily travel costs to work. The cost for college is not covered by the company and costs me more than £15 a day with some college days falling twice a week.

There are always company events to be involved with, including charity events such as sponsored walks and car boot sales. The apprenticeship offers the chance to volunteer for the Prince's Trust as well as a German exchange programme.

Yes

I would recommend BAE Systems as it is a great company to work for with many benefits for employees, such as flexible working hours.

I think it is important to include on your application all of the activities you get involved with outside of working, including any involuntary work. Knowing about the company gives off a good impression from your application and in the interview.