Business Administration Apprentice Review

I am undertaking a Business Administration apprenticeship where I rotate around different areas of the business. The different areas contain different roles, but they all usually contain the following; Managing diaries, booking rooms, organising events, taking minutes, replying to emails/enquiries, answering telephone etc.

I have learnt/developed the following skills so far in my apprenticeship; Outlooks skills, importance of confidentiality, Organisational skills, communication skills I believe I continue to learn new skills each week and will continue to do so throughout my apprenticeship.

I enjoy my programme as it allows you to see areas of the business and to work within a company treated as an employee rather than an apprentice - I have previously completed an apprenticeship elsewhere and the 'divide' was very clear. The only thing I do not enjoy is the travel to college, as it is advertised on the website as a local college. However we do have to take three trains there and back - which can sometimes be stressful and very tiring.(But I do appreciate BAE funding this)

I feel very valued in BAE, we are given great opportunities to get involved in all events and are able to work with people on a high level treated with mutual respect.

I feel the apprenticeship is very well organised. We know all of our placements for the course of our apprenticeship and when my next placement became unavailable my apprentice co-ordinator found me an alternative almost immediately, and kept me updated through out.

I find Karen very supportive and helpful. She is always easy to contact and will put time aside to see/help you if you need it. I have been struggling with my health recently and Karen has always been very understanding and supportive. Karen meets up with me every 2 weeks to ensure I am on track with my apprenticeship, once again in retrospect with my previous apprenticeship Karen's level of knowledge/support/commitment and care is amazing.

As mentioned above I have been having problems with my health, I have problems with anxiety and BAE's support has been amazing referring me to Occupational Health. Paul Cox my line manager has also been very supportive, offering himself as someone to talk to if I need to. As well as being understanding, which allows me to feel a lot more comfortable.

I feel that the salary at BAE is good compared to other apprenticeships offered elsewhere ,as we get minimum wage rather than less than £3 an hour. However I sometimes feel for the amount of work we do I would appreciate more - but I do think this is down to where I am in life at the minute purchasing my first house and paying for a wedding. I do struggle to have money left over after I pay my rent/buy food and put money away when saving for my house/wedding. (I do think the salary increase in September is a good wage)

I believe there are many opportunities outside of work, however you do have to volunteer yourself for them and be prepared to gain from it. For example I was asked to involved with a tour out of hours and have also volunteered to help with the annual Keswick to Barrow walk.

Yes

You are able to gain qualifications whilst earning money, with the chances to develop further in your career. You are valued, good salary when a year into your apprenticeship.

I would tell them to do their research on the company and to make sure they understand what they want to gain from their apprenticeship and ensure that this comes through in their application.