Finance and Commercial Academy Trainee Review

Shadowing boss on some of his day to day activities. Having routine checks and downloads daily and on a monthly basis. Receiving tasks from other members of the team on a regular basis. Slight freedom to study, receive training days in excel etc and have the opportunity to promote the scheme in local schools and colleges.

I have hugely developed my confidence in speaking and communicating to a range of different people and with a small audience. I have improved greatly my excel knowledge and ability to create more complex spreadsheets and display work in a clear manner. My teamwork skills have been strengthened since picking up work from various members of the team and therefore also my time management in getting as many jobs done as I can in an effective amount of time.

Day-to-day, I mostly enjoy my programme. Sometimes I feel like I'm struggling a little with the weight of the work alongside studying however when I ask for help it is always given to me. The studying outside of work can be a little less enjoyable as it is very time consuming but is necessary in the long run and to also benefit my work.

I would say the majority of my programme is well structured. There are clear placements of 1 year in each place before rotating around to the next placement over a 3 year period. There is also a suggested time period for exam completion however in my opinion it is very optimistic given the fact we also work full time so can put additional stress on us.

Financially, we received money to relocate to our given area. It was a pleasant amount of money but still a shock moving away from home. Whenever I ask for help with my work it is given and gratefully received. I would say there possibly isn't as much emotional support, for example I perhaps wasn't ready to move away from home so moving 200 miles away was a big shock and possibly there isn't as much understanding about that or working flexibility as there could be.

I would say we receive minimal support after the online recorded sessions that is my method of study and the course materials. About once a month we get a generic email asking how we are getting along which rarely looks at how far along we say we are on the VLE.

I would say that at present my qualifications have limited aid in my work however I am not as far along as I would like to be in my studies so I would say its too early to make a judgement on that however I am aware the next few modules should relate to my area of work further.

There are some clubs and social activities such as running club and a choir including a 5 a side football team and also a gym with classes however unless you knew someone who was involved in them, they aren't very well advertised and I would say are normally quite closed groups.

Yes

I think Siemens is a great company and tries hard to look after every employee individually to make sure their needs are met. Siemens is supporting and funding me through my studies which I am very grateful for and I am proud to be part of a prestigious and successful company.

Research into the company on current projects, events and general facts and figures. Make sure in the interview process to be vocal and to portray your ideas clearly while involving everyone else in the team at the same time. Just be yourself as unlike other companies, Siemens looks deeper into hobbies and interests - focuses more on you as a person rather than how qualified you are (applies more to me as I am obviously doing an apprenticeship so will be furthering more now).