Business Apprentice Review

I am a business apprentice currently in my 2nd year at BAE Systems. I work in the communications team and I am responsible for sending out information to employees, planning business events, maintaining intranet pages and write up news stories. I am responsible for usuall 2-4 projects/jobs at a time and i enjoy the work i do.

Yes I have, currently I've been working towards my NVQ in Business Administration, completed a BTEC in Project Management, an ECDL spread sheet course and a first aid course. Alongside these, I have completed lots of on the job specific training in all of my placements throughout the business.

I really enjoy my programme. I work with an excellent team and they are great with looking after me and ensuring i feel comfortable in the office and i am included in all parts of the work force. The level of responsibility I have makes me feel like a part of the team. The company is really good at integrating apprentices into the workforce.

I feel very valued by BAE Systems. My manager always passes on positive feedback, apprentices get recognition internally and externally through awards ceremonies and accreditations. They have paid me for my efforts at work such as any other job but they are also paying for my education too which makes me feel more valued.

Apprentices receive a well rounded induction with lots of training and support throughout the scheme. So far I have not had any problems on the organisational side of my apprenticeship. The only downside is because there is quite a lot of apprentices, it is often hard to have work marked by your assessor.

We receive lots of support whether this is help with our NVQ work, placement issues, career advice or help with safeguarding issues. They always seem happy to help. They ensure we can talk to any tutors about our business work whenever we want to as well providing help on email as well as in the core college hours.

I receive lots of support from my employer/manager. My supervisor fully supports my development and always give me great opportunities, and I know about the systems available to help me via HR. There is a mentor programme should you wish to join it and I always know who to go to for guidance on problems.

The salary we receive is much higher than the national apprenticeship wage so it covers that well. We also get travel expenses back when appropriate and aren't left out of pocket. I would say it's difficult currently to have my own accomidation however most apprentices start off under the age of 20 so are not pressured to move out just yet.

Yes there are lots of opportunities outside work. We have lots of sports clubs, community and charity opportunities for example. We always have things to get involved in and we are always informed when something in the local area arises. We are emailed with the latest events and activities we are able to get involved with.

Yes

It is a great company that really looks after it's apprentices and helps them develop their skills, learn new vocational skill and then integrate them into the business. The business apprenticeship is really well thought out and i think it offers great prospects for anyone interested in both business management as well as aerospace and engineering.

Focus on your application and ensure you take time to think about the interview process. What makes you different to everybody else that's applying? Try to stand out from the crowd. If you get on to the scheme, make sure you actively look for things to get involved in and get all the experience you can.