Business Apprentice Review

My role is very versatile, moving to different departments every 6-9 months. When in a department, I shadow the line manager for the first couple of weeks, until I am then tasked with my own projects to control. These projects can vary in complexity and length based on the placement and business needs.

I have only been with the company 9 months and I have not only enhanced current skills, but learnt loads more. By moving around to different departments, it allows you to become an all-rounded business individual. You are able to incorporate skills learnt from other placements into your current one, to assist your day-to-day job.

I enjoy the programme massively. Not only does MBDA offer interesting placements, where you are treated as an equal and tasked challenging, meaningful work. But they encourage you to take part in extra curricular events to build your network internally and externally. MBDA gets involved in many events, which they look to the apprentices to project manage and assist in running.

The programme is very well structured. MBDA have employed two people to solely focus on the scheme and ensure all ECP (Early Career Programme) members are satisfied and have the best experience. The company is flexible in placements and if there is a business need, will allow you to do an external placement somewhere of your choice. This gives you the opportunity to work somewhere in the business you may not get the chance to with the schemes set placements.

The scheme offers a lot of support through many ways. The two employees who are responsible for running the scheme are very approachable and are always in contact with the apprentices/graduates. Also, when you join the programme, you are paired with a 'buddy'. This is someone already on the scheme who you can contact to ask any questions you may not want to ask your manager. The buddies always check in on their assigned new starter, ensuring they settle into the company.

There are regular meetings held to review progress of your studies. Within this meeting, aims and objectives are set for you to be reviewed at the next review. These are held at work with the people who run the programme. Also, the lecturers at the university are very supportive and always make themselves available to answer any queries.

The modules that I undertake at university seem to be closely linked with not only the environment but the work I conduct. As I am doing a business apprenticeship, studying a 'Business Project Management' degree, is closely linked to the type of work I take part in on an everyday basis.

There are many extra-curricular activities to get involved in. MBDA offer a sports and social club which offer various sports to take part in outside of work. Also, as previously said, MBDA get involved in many events like Robot Rumble. The company looks to the apprentices and graduates to project manage and run these events. So not only is it a good way to branch out and make new contacts, but to gain experience too.

Yes

It's a great programme and business to work for. The company really does go out of their way to ensure you have the best experience possible. Even being an apprentice, you undertake high importance projects that test your ability and give you a real idea of the department is like.

To make sure they pay attention to the MBDA values and how these values are shown through their past of current achievements/work experiences. To be open and honest when applying and being interviewed. You do not have to be someone who has had years of experience working in a high-end job. MBDA looks for people with potential.