Apprentice Review

I work in the Typhoon Exports Business Operations team, my daily tasks include opening and closing booking numbers through a database called the 'Baseline change request' database, I also deal with accommodation, so where people are situated within my building. Other responsibilities of mine include: - Booking peoples hours using 'My Options', collating challenge data, and clearing suspense (un-booked hours) - loading TM1 ( a resourcing tool) with data on a monthly basis. - Requesting IT equipment/ repairs for people I don't directly work on a contract as i work in the bids department. I interact daily with a large number of people as i often get queries regarding IT matters, accommodation matters and My option issues.

I have developed my communication skills very much as i have to communicate with a wide variety of people who are at different levels of the company. I have also learnt new skills as i have used a lot of databases specific to BAE that i had never seen before starting my role. I have taken part in a number of training courses such as, project management awareness, and ambassador training. I am also due to take part in a project management simulation, excel advance training and a procurement awareness course.

I have really enjoyed the programme so far, I have mostly enjoyed meeting new people, working with a varied number of people, and getting a higher apprenticeship qualification while working and learning a lot of new skills with a high level of support. I think that overall my experience has been really positive and this primarily has been because of the people i am working with and the overall work and package/experience i have been given.

I feel very valued by BAE due to the high level of support that comes from the central scheme team and also the management in my current placement role. Internally there is a log of recognition for the scheme and the people that are on the scheme, with a lot of people that will gladly offer support in the form of mentoring. I overall think that the general support and help is definitely in place for apprentices and i've been more than happy with the help i have received so far as well.

The programme is very well organised, as you move through the business through the different placements you get to see a wide variety of work within the business while a careful consideration is taking place to ensure that all competencies needed are signed off. There are quarterly meetings that take place that are held with the purpose of support and feedback. The scheme management team initially set you up with a buddy when starting the scheme; this allows for support and someone to help you ease into the company. Later you are set up with a mentor that usually is someone who has graduated the scheme and can help direct you and answer any questions you have.

There is a lot of support from both the scheme management at work and the college. There are a number of people that can answer and questions that we have all the time. There is also a lot of guidance provided with any problems we may have. We are given the email addresses of our tutors so during the week if we have any questions to ask them we can always email and get an answer back fairly quickly from them. Overall I'm very happy with my college and how they cater to the apprentices.

I received a lot of support from my employer and i am happy with the amount that i get. They are supportive in finding ways to sign off competencies and development needs within my role that will allow for more competencies to be singed off. The level of support from my employer has been very high, and an all-round positive experience. If i could go back to when i was applying i definitely still would have done it as i think this route has been far better than if i was to go to university.

The salary we are offered at BAE systems is very impressive, and due to our age and level of costs we often end up with high levels of disposable income meaning we can often afford things many people could not. I think that a few apprentices struggled at the start if they had bills and cost of living to pay for but as we have gone through our apprenticeship we get wage increases so these are really helpful. I am happy with my wage overall and cannot fault it, especially compared to other local companies/apprenticeships.

Due to the age of people on the scheme there are a number of opportunities for social events outside of work, such as, nights out etc. I think that most of the opportunities arise from employees creating an event outside of work however the business does offer different schemes for us such as the STEM ambassador scheme where you help out in local schools and events with the business, but also the cycle to work scheme where employees get good offers on bicycles to inspire them to cycle to work instead of driving.

Yes

Working for BAE systems as part of the PCFS has been a very good experience so far due to the people i have met, the scheme development and support, the new skills i have learnt and the placement i have had. I am looking forward to continuing the course. I think that anyone who applies will not be disappointed and they will definitely find a job role suited to them, either business, software, maintenance, technical or craft.

For the application process: - Think of good examples, and not just ones that are from college, try using a varied amount of examples. Interview/ Assessment day: - Be relaxed - Think carefully about your answers. Try to make them also as varied as possible, with a good range of experiences. - Get to know the other people interviewing on the same day as you, they may become your colleagues. What I would have like to have been told: - You will not start the PCFS as an expert project controller, and the company know that, therefore there is no pressure to get everything right and understand everything straight away.