Business Administration Apprentice Review

I am working in the IT finance department where I administrate all the Finance Applications that come through to IT. Its my job to follow the application process from start to finish and manage all the interactions. I often have to chase people to complete the certain stages and need to work closely with specialist software in order to push the applications through the process as quickly as possible. I'd say the whole thing is a project in itself and its something I've been able to look after and control without a lot of supervision. I love being able to manage something that is so important to the business and I have the confidence to make decisions for myself.

I have learned a lot of new skills. I've developed my confidence through constantly interacting with stakeholders. I've also been given the training to handle and manage finance applications that was completely new to me before I joined this placement. I've developed my time management skills from having to ensure all applications are completed on time. I've also learned how to prioritise certain things over others in order to ensure all tasks are complete.

I really enjoy working for BAE as I'm always encouraged to better myself and learn new skills. Every placement provides me with a different outlook of the business. Some placements have more to offer than others but overall, I've been happy the whole time. The thing I enjoy the most is that the company give you all the independence you need and trust you to make your own decisions and take bold steps. The only thing I would say that could be seen as negative is that I didn't enjoy my first placement very much and didn't feel like I was learning anything but there didn't seem to be any help offered when I brought this up with my line manager.

I'm always kept up to date with what is happening in the business and I'm invited to key events to give me an insight into what BAE are doing which is always nice to feel included. I often receive praise from my placement manager when I'm doing things right. I've been given large/important tasks to deal with despite me being new to the company and relatively new to the working world which makes me feel valued and trusted. However, due to the large workforce sometimes its easy to just feel like another number rather than an individual but I guess I will start to interact with more and more people as time goes on. There is an apprentice of the month scheme but its mainly for craft apprentices rather than other functions such as admin which is a shame because I'd like the chance to be recognised for my work on a larger scale.

I feel like the overall placements are well structured and everyone knows how the apprenticeship is planned out. However, sometimes I feel like the placements are too rigid and it would be nice to have some options of where we go for our placements. For example, I've already been told where my 5 placements will be but I would prefer if we could choose some of our own so I can understand where I want to be when I finish my apprenticeship. In terms of the induction, I was not very impressed, the content seemed to be aimed at craft apprentices rather than my function (admin) so we became a bit lost during the first couple of weeks and didn't feel very prepared for our roles.

My tutors are always a phone call or email away and are always happy to help out. I'm also given day release to an external college where I can spend a full day to concentrate on my studies. I've found this really helpful as it can be hard to start essays for college in work time.

I've never really had any problems or needed to involve HR however I know where they are and how to contact them if an issue ever arose and I feel encouraged to do so. My line manager is also there to help any in-formal worries or questions I have.

I find it hard to live on the current wage but I think that is because I had a higher paying job before this and I was used to having more expenses etc. The wage is ideal for someone straight from school with hardly any expenses but for someone with a car and insurance, taxes, direct debits, travel expenses, living costs and has to pay for everything, its hard to maintain a nice social life.

There are opportunities to help out in the community outside of work but they all tend to be charity fundraisers that include sports activities. For someone who isn't particularly athletic, like myself, it tends to put you off getting involved. However, most of my opportunities have come from the lovely friends I've met in the business. I've gained a much better social life from joining BAE.

Yes

Its a fabulous place to work with a great support mechanism. It's full of opportunities and progression is always possible within the business. Its well paid (in the long run) and recognised right across the world. Its also a very stable job.

Put a lot of effort into the application process and emphasise why you can be a valuable asset to BAE systems. Be prepared for the assessments and interviews that follow and most importantly, build your experience up before you apply. You're more likely to be accepted if you have good experience.