Business Apprentice Review

I am a Business Apprentice who is primarily based in the Project Support Group but will be doing placements within the other functions such as Bids, Commercial and Finance. On a day-to-day basis I support the Project Managers and run reports to help them see the positions of the projects. As well as, running reports on a monthly basis for the senior management reviews. Currently, I am supporting a team member on the NCIRC projects for NATO which is a key area for our division and brings in a lot of business helping the division to continue growing and succeeding.

I have learnt loads of new skills such as using SAP, working in a business environment, communication within a business with different colleagues at different levels. I have also taken part in an internal training course which was for Internal Auditing, this will help the business as I can complete internal audits to find improvements ready for when we get externally audited. This will also give me further insight in to what the business does. I have developed skills that I had such as time management and organisation as I have had to priorities tasks and manage my time to ensure that I get everything done.

I have really enjoyed every moment since my first day, everyone is so welcoming and happy to help. The work that I have been participating in or completing has been interesting and developed my skills and knowledge. The team that I work with on an everyday basis are all lovely and there if I need any support or advise. Leonardo are really investing in apprenticeship and see how beneficial it is to have young people grow with the business. The apprenticeship so far has blown my expectations, it has been amazing! I have not only enjoyed it, I have loved it!

All Leonardo employees that I have met have been welcoming and happy to assist with anything. this makes you feel welcome and apart of the teams as well as apart of the business. my manager constantly gives me feedback and appreciates what I do. I have had several feedback from Leonardo employees of different levels which has made me feel so welcome and valued within Leonardo as well as feeling happy in the business environment.

My manager set up a plan to show me where I would be spending my time which is flexible and can be changed to ensure that I get the most out of my programme. You are constantly having training and support from a variety of people to develop and grow. You are welcome to attend a variety of meeting and get involved. The induction to the programme was a few days long and involved a lot of presentations and paper work.

I complete my NVQ internally so do not attend college, this means that I have to manage my NVQ and work life balance. I had a NVQ assessor who are able to contact and ask any questions and advise if needed. My assessor comes down to my site every month so we can run through my work and tick units off. I find this really beneficial as it means I can run through work if needed as well as hand over completed units and evidence.

My manager gives me constant support and we have regular meetings to run through tasks and any questions that I may have as well as just having a catch up. The HR team are helpful and always available if needed. All the staff are there to support if needed and plenty of them have given me advise or feedback to help me progress and grow.

The salary is way above minimum wage for an apprentice and is suitable for the role.

There is the opportunity to visit different sites as well as attend meeting at different locations such as the London office. You are able to attend company events and activities if it suits your role.

Yes

Yes, because I love it! the business is so dynamic and growing! There is so much to learn and see whilst learning new skills and knowledge whilst developing existing. There are so many opportunities and positions that are available at a variety of levels. Due to being able to move around and experience the different functions you get to learn what you like an don't like in addition to where you may want to work in the future.

The assessment day is made to be fun such as taking part in team activities and spreading it out over the whole day. This means that it doesn't feel so stressful and crammed full of interview, presentation and assessments it is much more relaxed. We all ate lunch together and mixed with Leonardo employees and apprentices that were applying for other site locations.