Business Development Admin Apprentice Review

I work within the Business Development team in BAE Systems Telford. On a day to day basis my role would be to review contract bulletins from external websites, check that all ATT data is up to date and all enquires are fulfilled, keeping on top of the Export Control log which I created & also to produce financial documentation via SAP and Microsoft Excel for the team. I interact with the team every day. This could be to talk about upcoming events such as visits from around the globe, or even to make sure we have licences in place.

Whilst completing my apprenticeship I have received a Level 3 Administration Certificate. I believe that many of my personal skills have improved during my time here. Especially my communication skills and also time management. This is because I have to make sure I complete work to a good standard within a specific deadline.

I enjoy working within the tram at BAE Systems. I feel that everyone that I work with is most helpful and can help me contribute to a better me. The office environment that I work in is a friendly hard working environment. This apprenticeship met my expectations as I knew I would be based in a friendly office environment.

I do feel valued by BAE Systems. This is because I have communicated with many people since I have been here and they all see me as just another employee to the business. I get treated the same as the next person and that is how it should be within business. I don't feel that there is a divide between any members of staff here and everyone gets the respect that they deserve.

My programme is structured that I complete a 2 year course within Business Development which is good as I can become very familiar with what happens within this department and who does what in the team. However, I feel that there should be a structure set up before I started where I complete 2/3 months in each department. In this I would be able to become familiar with what happens in each environment and what department I would be most beneficial in. However I have enjoyed my time in my department so it hasn't bothered me as much as it could of done.

The training provider is very good with support. She gave me her email and contact number. Whenever I needed to contact her she was always replying or answering within the same day. I feel that this is important as you need as much guidance as you can get when learning, and having someone who you can contact that quickly is a big bonus.

I receive a lot of support from my employer. Even IF THEY ARE NOT IN THE OFFICE WHRRE I AM SITUATED I CAN STILL GIVE THEM A CALL WHEN THEY ARE AWAY. I feel that this is important as if I have an issue I can quickly discuss it with anyone. I sit opposite the HR employee so if need be I can always discuss with her and the HR Team. There is also guidance on the online system.

The salary package at BAE Systems is respectable. It is a wage which you can live off if you don't have to pay mortgage etc.. I live with my parents paying rent which isn't as bad. I can then live the life which a normal 19 year old would be able to do. I have money spare to book a holiday, pay for a car etc. I think that having this while learning is the best way forward.

There are many company events which happen outside of work. Whether this be a meet up at the local pub, walking for the three peak challenges or even working in Bristol for the 'Big Build' challenge which helps towards charity. My personal favourite was the 'Big Build.' This is because it was work which we completed for a charity. We as a team built an outdoor work play area for disadvantaged kids in the area. This was a perfect was to develop team building exercises and also communication skills.

Yes

Because its everything that an apprenticeship is looking for. A nice friendly environment with the chances to progress and meet new people. The amount of work which they also do for charities is something which you can get involved in.

Make sure it is what you want to go and do. Also at the start of the apprenticeship make sure that you ask to move around departments because the one you chose may not be the one that suits you.