Business Apprentice Review

The apprenticeship scheme consists of apprentices moving around various elements of the business every 6-9 months in order to gain a broad understanding of how the company is structured and how all the commercial functions work together. Currently I am working in Indirect Procurement, my day-to-day role consists of managing and building rapports with MBDA suppliers, managing financial budgets, invoicing and general project management. Roles vary according to the function.

Working in different functions has enabled me to create better working relationships and has developed my team working skills. Each function has various ways of reporting progress with regards to projects, being part of these reviews has enabled me to enhance my skillset with regards to presentation skills and increasing my self-confidence when presenting my thoughts and ideas to a wider audience. As part of the apprenticeship scheme we are given the opportunity to take part in a formal development plan, known as Life skills. This event involves spending a week in Wales undertaking a series of team and individual challenges including coast steering, problem solving, managing a financial budget and planning travel within teams. This program is split up into 2x 1 week training courses which take place over the first two years of the apprenticeship scheme.

The aspect I enjoy most about the Business sponsored Degree apprenticeship programme is that apprentices get the opportunity to explore various functions and offers you opportunities to apply and develop your skills in areas such as commercial, communications, Human Resources, Procurement, Project Management, Supply chain, UK and export contracts and Sales & Business Development. I enjoy that the company offers a range of extracurricular activities to get involved in, one example is robot rumble, where apprentices get the opportunity to work with local schools compete with robots in which they have constructed themselves in a big competition. I enjoy attending career events at local schools promoting the MBDA schemes to young people as I feel as though I can emotionally connect with younger students as I myself had some difficulty choosing what I would like to do after sixth form. I also enjoy working in a team environment.

When completing tasks and placement objectives to a high standard I do feel valued for the work I have undertaken and receive some recognition from my manager. However it can sometimes be difficult balancing working life and university life, most managers appreciate the fact that apprentices have a lot to manage and are fair with timescales and deadlines of when work must be completed. MBDA runs an annual recognition awards ceremony where employees are recognised through their hard efforts. There are also external events where apprentices can put themselves forward for competitions such as regional apprentice of the year.

The programme is very structured, when I started the scheme I received a comprehensive training and induction, consisting of security briefings and health and safety courses. Before starting we were allocated an MBDA buddy. The role of a buddy is to act as a ‘ready-made friend’. A buddy may be primarily used to answer any questions or queries the new entrant may have, Provide information about the company, including details of the programme, geographical information and offer information on the social and cultural aspects of working at MBDA that are often not covered in the formal recruitment programme.

We all have the opportunity to enrol in training courses that we feel may deepen or further our understanding in a specific area to support us in the role we are undertaking.

Managers are generally very supportive of apprentices and we are free to tell them at any point if we have any concerns or issues and they will work very hard in order to solve them. The HR team is always available to support us if we have any issues and are very concerned for our well-being.

As I do not live far from site my travel costs are not very high as it is only a short commute to work every day. Each year of the apprenticeship scheme there are annual salary reviews and this takes placement performance and behaviour along with university grades into account.

MBDA holds an extensive range of opportunities and events to get involved with outside of work including corporate company events such as the annual charity dinner. This is where a celebrity guest is invited to host a night with MBDA employees, customers and suppliers for raising money for chosen charities. There is an MBDA sports and social club, various sporting events throughout the year, an onsite gym and an MBDA charity challenge committee. MBDA works hard to ensure it's employees have a work life balance.

Yes

It is a brilliant company to work for with an abundance of employee benefits on offer. There are many opportunities for employees to enhance and develop themselves in order to transform them into a well-rounded individual.

If you are applying to work at MBDA I would advise people to do some extensive research about the organisation in order to give the applicant some background knowledge and prepare them for the interview if asked specific company orientated questions. Think about why you as an individual will make a difference to the company and try to be enterprising in the interview stating any personal unique selling points.