Procurement Apprentice Review

I am in the procurement function and my main roles are managing order books, ensuring invoices are paid, trying to achieve cost savings and management of a/few suppliers.

Yes, I have developed my organisational, communication, confidence and stakeholder and relationship management. I have also completed a first aid course.

I really enjoy my program because I am able to visit suppliers on a regular basis and I am given the responsibility to deal with my own works package. The teams that I have worked within have all been really friendly and have helped me through each placement. The company ensures that I am happy with my work and have given me many opportunities externally from my day to day work. Yes, it has exceeded my expectations.

I feel very valued at BAE Systems and get praise from both my manager and assessor.

Very well organised. When starting at the company we had a two week induction where we learnt the basic code of conduct and expectations with in the business. We were provided with safe guarding training and system training. When we were allocated our functions we then went on a course to gain a deeper insight into our functions. I have 12 weekly review meetings with my manager assessor and I also have regular NVQ review with my assessor. We have also been offered the opportunity to have a mentor. Each placement I have entered have had a clear set of roles and objects that I should carry out within my placement.

I receive a lot of support from the training school, NVQ sessions are put in place regularly and any problems I have with my placements I am able to let them know and it will get sorted.

A lot of support goes into the apprentices, senior management like to meet the apprentices and we have group sessions where we are able to ask any questions. We are able to have a mentor to help guide us even after our apprenticeship and even when we started on the first week we were matched with an apprentice in the upper year to guide us around the business.

Very well, as an apprentice I did not expect to receive the salary we are getting. I am able to do everything I want to with out having to worry about money costs.

Yes, there are lots of activities out side of work. voluntary events are held I would say at least once a month which we are able to attend whether this being helping at a local hospice, helping on open evenings, going to Germany for a German exchange or helping with Princes Trust.

Yes

Because I am very happy with my place of work, it pays well and I am surrounded by teams helping me to develop.

Put a lot of time and effort into your application, attend open evenings to gain a deeper insight into the company and learn about the company and what we provide. At the interview ensure that you are dressed professionally and turn up with plenty of time to spare. Presentation is key and ensure you keep smiling and maintain eye contact throughout your interview.