Business Apprentice Review

My role is a business apprentice, this involves rotating around the various business departments at Cummins. The departments which I will be working in during this apprenticeship include Health and Safety, Materials, Finance, Human Resources, Supply Chain and Facilities. Currently I am working in the materials department. I have a variety of daily tasks, for example I have to use the OBIEE system in order to calculate how many kits have been scanned at the warehouse and in the plant. This shows the team leaders where improvements can be made in regards to scanning parts and boxes as they are delivered.

My communication skills have improved very substantially since I have started my apprenticeship at Cummins. I have been communicating with new colleagues on a daily basis which has helped me become more confident. I have also learned how to use systems such as Oracle and OBIEE at Cummins. In the past I have struggled to use Excel spreadsheet, however I now use the program most days and my confidence in using this program has improved massively.

So far I have thoroughly enjoyed my time at Cummins. I enjoy working closely with a team in order to meet aims and objectives in the departments which I have worked in. All the colleagues which I am working with and have worked with previously are very supportive and friendly.

In all the departments I have worked in so far, the managers and colleagues have made me feel very valued. All work which I carry out is always greatly appreciated by the individuals who has set the task. I am asked to get involved with a lot of projects and tasks which makes me feel trusted by my colleagues.

I feel the structure of my program is good. When I started at Cummins I was allocated a lot of time to work on the shop floor shadowing employees in order to get a better idea of how the business operates. This was valuable because I did not have any previous experience in engineering, so working on with the engines which Cummins sell first hand was very important. There is also regular apprenticeship meetings which inform us on any changes or updates.

My training provider comes in every 6 weeks for a meeting where we discuss what I have been doing at work and what coursework I have completed. If there is any help I need in regards to the coursework my training provider is always more than happy to help. My training provider has a good attitude towards supporting me.

In whatever department I am working in, the employees around me and manager of the department have always provided a good amount of support when needed. If I come across a problem with the task I am currently working on, I have never had any issues with gaining support from the people around me.

My salary is enough for my living costs, travel costs, social costs, and general daily costs such as food etc. However I do struggle to put money aside each month to save. This is not a big issue because throughout the apprenticeship my salary will rise which will allow me to begin saving each month as well as paying living costs.

At Cummins all employees are involved in helping the local community. This is good because it means the company is giving back to the community in some way, and shows even though they are a large multinational company, they still care. Cummins also have a football team which I have previously been involved in which allowed me to meet and get to know a number of employees which I normally would have not got the chance to work with.

Yes

I feel I am treated very well at this company and have learned a great deal since I have started working here. I feel the skills I am learning on a day to day basis not only help me carry out tasks to a higher standard, but are also helping me become a more professional individual in general, which is why I would recommend this apprenticeship to a friend.

In regards to the application process, I would recommend that the applicant ensures to proof read their application form, and get a second opinion on what they have written in order to ensure there are no mistakes. Also for the interview I would recommend carrying out a high amount of research on the company to ensure they are ready for the questions. At the assessment centre I would say acting professional and confident at all times is important.