Commercial Apprentice Review

I am a commercial apprentice and my job involves contract management and etimating. I am currently on my second placement. During my first placement some of the work i was involed in consisted of writing Work Authorisations, I ran from start to finish a Request for Bid Approval and developed a contract summary for new comers into the team. In my current placement, I work on Last Time Buys, writing contract amendments and doing some estimating work. My internal interactons are with my team, project management and finance. My external interactions are with our customer Euro Fighter. I am currently working on a project 'To steamline the way LTB's are managed within PC4 commercial.' For this project, I have had to have reguar meetings with PM, Finance, Obsolescence team, Procurement and Commercial, I have had to research into the historical details of LTB's, look into the financial activity and create summarys for each of the contracts.

I have gained my Advanced ECDL in Spreadsheets/Excel qualification: I am currently working on: NVQ Level 3 in Business & Administration Technical Certificate in Business Administration NVQ Level 2 in Customer Service Technical Certificate in Customer Service Advanced ECDL in Spreadsheets/Excel BTEC Level 3 Project Management Key Skills/Functional Skills Level 2 PLTS (Personal Learning and Thinking Skills) ERR (Employment Rights and Responsibilities) I have also been on a 'Estimating awareness course.

I absolutely love my job and I am so glad I chose an apprenticeship over university. The work is interesting and challenging and everyday is different. The people I have met are friendly and always willing to help and it makes it a lot easier transitioning over from college into a full time job. I have made some really good friends- current apprenticeships and the teams I have worked in- and this makes it a lot easier to go and ask questions if I need help with work. The apprenticeship has gone above and beyond my expectations and I enjoy coming into work everyday.

Yes, both my managers have apprecitated all the work I have done for them. I have always been involved with all the tasks that have been running in the team and the work I have done

Very well organised. The induction is very useful and the management of placements is done well in advance. We are given free time to do our college work and booklets are given at college to help us out. We have the opportunity to get a mentor who we can go and speak to about any work/ home related issues we may be having. The training we recieve is good because it contributes to what we are working on in our placements.

We have constant contact with our tutors and can go and see them anytime- for anything like NVQ, Placements, Work issues, home issues, just a general chat. They are always willing to help. This is why I enjoy the appreticeship, because I have come from college where I was treated like a child to coming to work where I am given a lot of responsibility and respect.

I have recieved a lot of support from my managers and have been told that I can ask them questions- however random- anytime. The team I have just left are still in contact with me and are always willing to help. I haven't got a mentor yet, but I think it is an excellent idea.

Very well-it funds my hobby, a social life, my car and living costs.

There are lots of social events- especially around christmas- which are a great way to network and catch up with people you haven't seen for a while. There are also away days within work, which give you a chance to do team building excercises. You can do voluntary and charity work. There is also a gym at both sites.

Yes

It is an amazing opportunity to work in a mutli national and international, global defence business. The chance to earn whilst you learn and have the opportunity to travel.

Do a lot of mock interviews, this way you are well prepared for any questions they will ask you. On your interview day, don't be afraid to ask questions- whether it be to the interviewers or current apprentices.