Business Apprentice Review

On the MBDA apprenticeship, your role changes on a 6-9 month basis as and when you change department. The placements are varied across many departments in the business. Examples of these are: procurement, project management, sales and business development. I am currently in a procurement type role and my day-to-day work is much like my fellow colleagues. I process orders, maintain working relationships with the supplier and assist the other functions in the business as much as I can. As an apprentice, I am not given light and simple work to do. I am challenged with my work which is the same as any other employee in the department.

Since joining the apprenticeship scheme, I have dramatically improved my interpersonal skills which I think is down to my increase in confidence due to workshops and group tasks that the company offer. I have also developed my academic skills, particularly in Excel and PowerPoint, as these tools are required to do my job. I have also learnt new computer based tools, such as the SAP tool while working in procurement.

I personally really enjoy the programme I am on. It gives me and amazing opportunity to work in a full time role as well as complete a degree which is something I didn't even think was possible. The scheme offers varied work with various different placements which helps me to not get bored at any point whilst at work. While on the scheme, everyone is also encouraged to participate in extra activities such as talking at schools, career shows and even air shows, which is obviously very interesting.

I feel totally valued by MBDA as an apprentice. Every department I have been in so far has been very accepting and understanding of our role within the company. A couple of the managers I have had have taken the time to sit with me and ask me to teach them skills they feel they are lacking. For example, I taught my placement boss how to add transition effects to a PowerPoint. This shows that those working at MBDA value apprentices and also have a lot to learn from us, being a younger generation.

The 4 years at the MBDA are very well structured and organised. The placement changed are planned well in advance so everyone knows where they will be moving to. The university side of the scheme is also well worked and we are given time off to study for any exams that we may have. There are also two ~"life skills" weeks that an apprentice needs to go on. These weeks help the group of apprentices gain vital group working skills and also helps to improve public speaking and growing confidence. All of this is organised, again, well I advance so nobody has an issue with attending.

MBDA provides plenty of support for training. As an apprentice, you must complete an NVQ and also a degree over the 4 years. We have contacts at both training providers to support us when needed and help organise out workload. Our contacts are always contactable and we have meetings when needed to assist us.

Our employer is very supportive of the apprenticeship scheme and does a lot to promote us among the workforce. Every placement manager is very understanding of our need for day trips to university per week and any time off we need to study for our exams or complete coursework.

In the first year of the apprenticeship, the salary offered was slightly below what was required to cover my costs. However, every year the apprentices are offered a pay rise based on performance at university and at work. Since this pay increase, my salary supports my costs perfectly fine.

As mentioned before, MBDA offers plenty of opportunities outside of work. This may be educational events, such as talks at schools promoting schemes or talking to young people about their options after A-Levels. This could be career shows where you have the opportunity to talk to potential apprentices and promote your scheme. This could also be air shows where you are given unique opportunity to help promote the company as a whole. There is also a lo of sports and social clubs that you can get involved in.

Yes

I would offer the MBDA apprenticeship to a friend because its an amazing opportunity to work and study at the same time. However, I would only recommend the scheme to someone who enjoys working, as the workload placed upon you is quite extensive and can be stressful at times.

The recruitment process is quite difficult so be prepared. If you make it through to the interview stage, make sure you do your background research on the company and ask relevant and specific questions to your interviewer at the end. If you can, try and get in contact with a current apprentice prior your interview day and ask for more assistance, we are all happy to talk you through it.