Business Apprentice Review

My day-to-day role changes throughout the year as I complete a variety of placements throughout each year. I am currently working within Major Equipment Procurement and my role requires me to work closely with external suppliers and project teams within my company. Alongside my placement, my day-to-day tasks include arranging work experience weeks for students who want to come and see what an Apprenticeship would be like within MBDA. This role requires me to interview students, contacts school staff, and arrange placements for the work experience to complete. This is a big responsibility within my company, as due to the nature of our work, security is very important and so this is good practice for me when arranging external visits with security.

During my apprenticeship I am working towards a Degree in Business Management as well as both an NVQ Level 3 and Level 4. Alongside educational qualifications, I attend a number of internal training courses each year such as security training days, manual handling and equality. My professional development has been improved through a variety of training exercises such and 'Life Skills One' and I am soon to attend my second one.

I thoroughly enjoy my programme. I believe the structure of the Apprenticeship means that apprentices get to explore the whole of the company, and have an insight and an appreciation for each department. The programme has exceeded my expectations in terms of quality, we are offered an extensive range of development programmes and HR are very happy to help with any issues that may arise. Team spirit, communication and knowledge share are three things that this company is great for.

Within MBDA I feel valued by the teams I work within, whether I'm there for a short or long period. Teams do make you feel welcome and are very willing to help you if any problems or questions arise. Internal recognition is always forefront and there is a range of awards and rewards that apprentices can go for throughout their apprenticeship and career within MBDA. You are encouraged to apply for eternal awards which highlight achievement and recognition even more so.

I do feel that the programme needs some organisation and work putting to it. When an apprentice first joins, you cannot fault the induction and original training period. I have found that as time goes on, placements can sometimes get misunderstood and their isn't much guidance there in terms of what to do if you need help organising a placement. I am traveling to Stevenage this summer for a 3 month placement and I have had no support in terms of booking transport and accommodation. I am still yet to find how who I will actually be working for. Educational opportunities such as University and NVQs are organised well and there is a simple structure that is easy for apprentices to follow.

I believe that support from my training provider is very good. Both the tutors at university and through my NVQ have been very helpful and are willing to go the extra mile for you. There is a positive attitude towards part time students and staff are very willing to support you during times that fit your schedule rather than theirs. I am enjoying completing both my degree and NVQs in Business.

I feel that the support from my employer varies. As stated in the question above, placements and team leaders are very helpful and will support you right through your apprenticeship. There is a positive attitude towards apprentices throughout MBDA, even by managers, and so it is a positive environment to work within. I feel that the HR team sometimes lack support. I feel that my HR manager could spend more time with the Apprentice community and seeing if we have any problems or queries. It is not always easy to access the right person within the HR department and this can occasionally cause problems.

I think that the salary at MBDA isn't as competitive as it could be. In salary rises that you can achieve each year are really good, and the fact that you aren't just given them, you have to work for them makes it fair. I think the starting salary at MBDA is too low, and so this sticks with you for the 4 years that you are with the company. I have little time for social activities as I study my degree in the evenings and need time also during the week to complete my NVQ and university work. When I do want to socialise, sometimes it is difficult to do everything I would like as my wage limits me compared to wages my friends are on with their apprenticeships.

There are a vast number of outside opportunities such as events and activities. HR select apprentices to join in with external and internal events such as award nights, air shows and school events. This is a great opportunity for apprentices to gain valuable skills such as communicational and organisation. If the location of events is not ideal for an apprentice, my company are very willing to pay for the correct means of transport for an employee so that they can get there with ease.

Yes

MBDA is a great company to work for. They have an award winning an apprenticeship which allows apprentices to gain a vast knowledge and understanding of the industry and the departments within our business. They have a wide range of training courses and development opportunities which allows employees to progress throughout their careers within the company. There is always recognition for hard work, and even rewards.

If I was to give tips or advice regarding applying for MBDA, I would firstly suggest that applicants have a genuine interest for the industry and the work we do here. I would 'know your subject'. Have a clear understanding of what we do and prove to your interviewer that you would be able to make a positive difference within the company. I would suggest that if you don't know something, always ask, don't presume. Everyone asks questions and it is ok to not understand something, you will even be recognised for asking questions as it means you are interested to learn new things. Be confident in yourself no matter what stage you are at. Show your talents, interests and hobbies. It is great to be good at a job but it is also equally as good to have personal interests that could add to your role within the company.