Finance Trainie/Higher Apprentice Review

I rotate throughout the finance department every 6-12 months gaining experience in different types of financial work. I also study towards the L4 and then L7 CIMA qualification with Kaplan as the provider. Currently on my second placement, ive had a placement on Accounts payable - which involves processing invoices using SAP - and my second placement is project support where I use SAP and excel to form data used for claiming cash and managing resources.

I have found that I learn something new about the programs I use ( SAP, Excel ) everyday. I have developed my skills in performing formulas effectively using Excel and began to form a strong understanding of SAP programs that I had no previous experience of. Also being within and part of a team has developed my communication skills and confidence.

I really enjoy the program that I am on as it allows me to develop my education and the same time as gaining working life experience within a team environment. the program is good as balancing the development of personal, behavioural and educational factors and that mix is something I really enjoy.

My programme is really well organised with a structure in place that carries my development through the years that it takes to gain my qualification. I have planned 12 weekly reviews with management that track my progress and allow me to see the steps im taking in improvement and well as setting targets to develop further.

I receive a lot of support from my employer with assistance programs and development opportunities in addition to the program I am on. I have several points of contact all at different seniority which means whatever problem I come across there is always a suitable point of contact for me to talk to.

My training provider supplies me with resources that help me with my learning as well as options as to how best suits me in terms of the delivery of my course. Kaplan also has a website designed around supporting students with the ability to access all the resources you need as well as tutors you can contact outside of the classroom.

The qualification provided helps me perform better in my role as it gives context the things I do at work. Having the background knowledge to the complex work is really important in allowing me to understand new systems and to have the underlying knowledge I need to enable me to do tasks that are difficult.

Through the early careers team there are many opportunities to get involved in 'extra-curricular' activities and stretch programs. There is also networking opportunities the company provides through college and function based events. These involve people from across the country in similar roles to myself allowing me to get an understanding of other peoples experience.

Yes

I would recommend BAE systems to a friend as they provide excellent oppurtunites in so many different career paths as well as having support and management to allow employees to progress in their careers however far they wish. BAE also provide so many employee benefits and incentives that reward its employees for their work.

My advice to somebody applying to BAE Systems would be to learn as much as you can about the company's culture in order for you to understand what kind of person the business employs to meet their aims and strategy. Be open minded to different roles and opportunities and ask people as many questions as you can think of as there is so much to learn from people with experience and knowledge.