Business Apprentice Review

One major task I've had so far is to get cutting tools approved across various areas of the business in order to have recorded documentation to show all stakeholders are happy for these to be used on components. Additionally a recent task I have had is to work on sustainment projects for the company and help with planning and development of new facilities.

Stakeholder management and planning skills have been developed a lot and make it much easier for me to apply this to work now. Confidence to approach new people is also boosted.

Overall I have enjoyed the programme so far. Work is quite varied and I've gotten along with all the teams I've been in and the culture is quite welcoming. Sometimes however some tasks set won't be that demanding or exciting compared to others and can be very tedious at times.

To be honest at BAE I do feel highly valued as an individual. More often than not, people seem happy and pleased to have you round and are good to work with and when I've particularly good work or stood out, my manager has let me know. Occasionally some people work with me as if I have been in the company many years and should know everything in great detail, even after just starting a placement.

The first 2 weeks of the apprenticeship induction was well set out and covered the necessary information we needed to know although it was a bit dragged out and probably could have been done quicker. The placements are set out well and can't fault how you rotate round. Support can seem a bit sporadic and sometimes the approach of 'here's what you need to do so go do it' rather than explaining what you need to do and why. Overall it's fairly decent the structure and organisation.

The support has been better by some people than others. My first manager for example was very keen to help with anything I need and would often put himself before me. This was very useful but other people don't always seem to be as helpful and can expect you to know what you're doing so just return the issue to you and basically say sort it, without much assistance if any.

From my employer, I think the support has been better than the training provider and members of the company and in teams I work with tend to be more supportive and work with you to correct an issue and want to work better as a team so all help each other out where possible.

The salary starting off is quite bad for me actually. I travel from Manchester everyday and the cost overall for me to actually just be at work everyday is almost 90% of my wage for the current annual rate. I have very little money to do stuff and have to be very careful each month and only have up to £50 remaining by pay day. It barely gets me by and literally is just enough for me to be able to be here.

There are quite a few definitely. German exchange, STEM Ambassador, Princes Trust are activities you can get involved with as a few big ones and means you can help other people out whilst gaining personal development so is a win win scenario. There's plenty to do and are all quite different so can't fault it really other than the fact most of these opportunities requires you to be over 18. For me personally this isn't an issue but is for a number of other apprentices on the scheme.

Yes

If you have a good interest in aviation and like to see the outcome of the work you do then it's definitely very rewarding to see. The opportunities and experiences I've had are great and has been an interesting way to enter the work place. You feel valued and appreciated that you are there.

For the application, make sure you spend time on writing it and have someone to help review it to make sure it reads well and shows your full abilities. For the interview make sure you're prepared, know what you're going to say and be honest. Take as many opportunities as you can that come your way and get the full experience. I think if I would have liked to have been told something before starting, it would be the culture of the company as its a lot more welcoming and inclusive than I anticipated.