Business Apprentice Review

Within my role at BAE Systems I'm in the function Commercial which consists of contracts and estimating. I have my own work package from my line manager; this allows me to support BAE Systems in any contracts coming our way. At BAE Systems we work with flexi time so there are no set hours (only your core time), I feel this makes my apprenticeship more flexible due to being able to work when it suits me. Everyday I feel I'm always doing new skills and developing my confidence and awareness of the company. Every 20 weeks we move around to different placements; this is beneficial to experience different departments within a huge company.

Through this apprenticeship I've developed lots of new skill. A lot of these skills are computer based i.e spread sheets due to working on these quite a lot in my apprenticeship however you get the right support necessary to be good at this in no time. I've also learnt a lot about rules and regulations, due to the nature of my work in contracts. Other skills I've learnt are business and English type skills such as writing important letter. My confidence is increasingly growing through this apprenticeship and the support you get from your line manager, team, assessor's and placement manager are outstanding.

I enjoy this programme very much due to its versatile nature and interesting work you get to be a part of. In my experience, all the teams I've been in treat you as a valued member of the team not just as you're an apprentice. In this programme you get lots of support and opportunities to travel to different places and work on different programmes.

I feel like a valued member at BAE Systems due to being trusted with the work I get to do; I'm not treated like just an apprentice. All the teams I've been in are very supportive along with my placement manager and assessors who cater for each individual.

My programme has set time scales that are always met and going out of the office for college is always planned well in advance. New placements are decided a month before you go into them which is good as you get to meet your team and learn bits about the work you will be doing before starting.

The training providers are really supportive. They meet up with you on a regular basis and are always around if you need anyone to talk to. They are very approachable and lovely to be around. If you ever have a problem in your placement these are the best people to go to. They make an effort to make sure all apprentices are being treated right.

Everyone at BAE Systems understands that you're an apprentice and it's a huge thing coming into a big company. They understand this and just want you to succeed to the best of your ability. There are so many people available to go to if you do need extra support.

I feel coming in as an apprentice this is an average wage companies get and we finish on a very good wage at the end of our apprenticeship. You also get 4 pay rises throughout your apprenticeship which is good as time gets on you do undertake more work.

There are lots of extra activities work lets you take part of for example: visiting other sites, helping out with the interview process for the next intake, courses your assessors want you to take part with, mentoring sessions, STEM activities and that's just to name a few! A lot of the activities you apply for and the best applicant is chosen or your assessor will put you forward for something.

Yes

It's a very good company to work for if you want to go into business, like me. It also has amazing opportunities for engineers. The employers all care for you and you get many experiences through the company to develop as a person and grown at BAE Systems.

I would just say to make sure you are yourself at the interview and try not to shy away, even though it can be easy to. Also be prepared for the process as it's quite lengthy and challenging however worth it in the end.