Business Apprentice Review

I am a business apprentice at MBDA. The apprenticeship scheme involves changing business departments every 6-9 months. I am currently in my first placement which is called 'Customer Support and Services' which deals mainly with after sales support. I interact with all people from the business in different departments. I often go to meetings with representatives from the Ministry of Defence other countries' defence procurement representatives.

I am studying for a degree at the University of Hertfordshire. MBDA is extremely supportive of this (MBDA is paying for the degree)and we sometimes get paid days off if we need to revise for an exam. I have been on a number of internal training courses such as Intellectual Property and Inter Company Trading courses. MBDA also pays for me to undertake weekly German lessons.

I really enjoy the programme. I particularly enjoy the fact that I get to attend on business trips to various places. A few months ago for example I went on a training course which was held in Paris. The company culture is great and we had a number of Christmas parties in December and a couple of weeks ago the department manager paid for the department to go bowling and go out for dinner when someone was leaving the department, as a farewell.

I feel extremely valued by MBDA. MBDA is paying for my degree and what's more I have access to a large number of company benefits. Despite me being an apprentice I still received an employee bonus which was greatly appreciated. I get very involved in projects yet there is no fear of being punished for making any mistakes because all employees are supportive of and help apprentices.

It is extremely well organised yet quite flexible at the same time. If we need a day off to revise for an exam or work on our coursework we can tell our manager a couple of days before and she lets us do what we need to make sure that we are prepared for exams and don't struggle too much at University. Although the programme structure is complicated, we are very well supported and MBDA makes sure that we know what we are doing.

The level of support is very high. We often have meetings with our manager and she asks us if everything is okay and if we need any extra support or help. I also have regular meetings with my department manager in which we discuss the day to day work that I am undertaking and he makes sure that I have the right amount of work and that I know what I am doing. MBDA's general attitude towards supporting apprentices is great; lots of employees are former apprentices and they are delighted to help and offer advice in any way they can, despite the fact they might be very busy.

I receive a huge amount of support from MBDA. The HR team are always happy to help and we are offered mentors which are more experienced members of MBDA which will help us and answer any questions that we might have. If I have any problems I know that there is a huge selection of different people that I can go to and ask for help. Although I haven't met most of the employees at MBDA, I would say that everyone I have met so far has a very positive attitude towards helping and supporting apprentices.

The salary is extremely competitive considering I am a first year apprentice. The salary easily covers my living costs, I am able to save some money, and I have money left over for my social life too. I spend around £150 a month on diesel which is not ideal but it is necessary and the salary easily covers this.

There is a large number of opportunities outside of work. I will receive an email every week or two about company events and opportunities that are available for me to attend. In march for example, I am visiting the houses of parliament for a seminar. I am also now a STEM ambassador and I have applied to be one of these since working at MBDA. There is a sports and social club and gym which is also available to all employees.

Yes

Considering I am only 18 years old and I probably don't offer a company much value, I am surprised by how much time and money MBDA invests into me, and how much MBDA supports my development.

The application process is very tough, but you just need to prove that you're a down to earth, hard working person; Don't be too cocky in the interview/assessment process and be realistic when they ask you where you see yourself in the future. Also, make sure that you link your skills and abilities to what you think MBDA might be looking for.