Business Apprentice Review

I am a business apprentice and my first year of my apprenticeship has involved rotating around 3 areas of the business taking part in 3 month long placements, in Commercial, Procurement and Supply Chain. My day to day involves conducting tasks in my department, communicating with external customers and suppliers, attending meetings and completing SVQ and HNC Business work.

I have learned a ton of new skills, including using an MRP system like SAP, how to communicate in a business environment, enhanced my knowledge of Microsoft programmes and gained an understanding of how a big, international business operates.

I thoroughly enjoy coming to work every day and meeting new people within the business. I am well supported and there are a number of people I can go to if I need assistance with anything. The programme is well structured and gives apprentices a lot of opportunities to get involved in.

As an apprentice, the general thought before I started the programme was that I would be given small, irrelevant tasks until I was knowledgeable enough to do other things. This was far from the case, as I have been given a great amount of responsibility in my first 9 months with the business. This has made me feel like a valuable member of the business.

The structure of the programme is very well organised, with the 3 month placements being organised well in advance. Each placement has a suitable work package and gives enough work to keep busy each day whilst giving the apprentice a good experience of each department.

Our SVQ assessor provides good guidance on any issues we may have and regularly asks how we are progressing or if we have any issues.

As afore mentioned, the business support the apprentices with anything and there are numerous people available and willing to give assistance. Regular reviews are conducted to gauge progress and give apprentices an opportunity to solve any problems that we have.

Our salary is very competitive and allows me to afford the things I like to do.

There are a wide range of opportunities available, such as assisting STEM clubs, visiting schools, recruitment events, charity events and more. There is always something that you can volunteer for.

Yes

It is a great company to work for with endless opportunities. You will feel valued, be given a great amount of experience and responsibility and the work force are very friendly and willing to assist you with anything.

Go for it! Use any experience you've had in the past and take it into your interview and speak passionately about it.