Business Modern Apprentice Review

I am a business management apprentice working at BAE Systems, my daily role in in Procurement, however at the moment I am doing a function swap in to Commercial. My daily tasks in Procurement is buying on the various platforms, this may be spares and repairs or services. Also in Procurement we negotiate bids with various suppliers in order to gain the best price for our various customers. In Commercial we feed in to our customer, and gain a price on what the customer is willing to pay.

I have gained my ECDL course and also my Project management course. I have also gone in to the Princes Trust programme and gained another qualification. I have learnt communication skills and gained confidence whilst on the scheme. I have also gained a certificate in First Aid at work.

I am a hard worker and I like a challenge, which BAE Systems offers. The work is interesting and no two days the same. My team are fantastic and cannot do enough to help you, they are supportive and knowledgeable. The culture at BAE Systems is that people are proud to work here, it definitely went above and beyond my expectations.

My manager is very appreciative of the help I give her, she see's me as a valued team member. I have received internal recognition for an event I organised whilst in a placement. I have been in various tasks, either social events or in work, both in which are important for team moral and development.

My apprenticeship started with a two week induction with my assessors, they 'showed us the ropes' of what working for BAE Systems is like. there is training readily available and are many interesting training courses that you are encouraged to take attend. My manager always lets me complete NVQ work whenever I have spare time and is always helpful. My assessor is also very helpful and always has time for every apprentice. the hierarchy of BAE Systems is good and you know the structure of the company.

My assessor is always helpful and goes through my work with me, she is always a phone call away if I need any advice. my assessor is always happy and energetic which makes her more motivating.

Support is always readily available at BAE Systems, I know I can go to my manager/assessor with any problems. HR and the ethics helpline are a good way to stay anonymous if you have any issues. The training school is always supporting.

My current wage is suitable at the moment to my outgoing costs, however when I do buy a house my salary (at the moment) would not support, however when I am due to gain my full salary from full employment I will be very happy with what I will receive.

There are many, many opportunities outside of work I have attended and organised a few events that make a difference to your 'day job'. The company does great charity work that everyone can get involved in. there are also social events that is organised either by the apprentice population or within your team.

Yes

BAE Systems is the best company I have worked for and the benefits and salary is of a high standard, it is a fantastic place to work and it is an interesting a highly motivating role.

My advice would be to do research about what the company manufacture before applying. The interview stage can be scary but the interviewers make you feel at ease. The application can take some time so make sure you put some thought in to what you are writing. Once you have completed your application if you are successful you will be required to answer different questions. If you are then successful you will be asked to attend an interview.