Higher Business Apprentice Review

Within our placement we carry out a number of different placements which involve us working in all areas of the business. Currently I am undertaking my Project Management placement which involves me monitoring KPIs, liaising with the customer, and monitoring the project as a whole such as project spend, UPCs etc.

Yes, since working at MBDA we have been given several opportunities to learn new skills in and outside of the business. Some of these skills include, negotiation, communication, innovation, teamwork, leadership. In addition to this, I have learnt how to use MBDA tools such as SAP, PDM and many others.

The Higher Business Apprenticeship that I am completing at MBDA has been very rewarding and enjoyable. We are given the ability to carry out activities that are not part of the 'work' curriculum such as competing in the North West Aerospace Alliance Business University Challenge, liaising with local schools carrying out Prefect Interviews etc.

The overall apprenticeship has been very well structured from the outset, from the interview day to carrying out everyday work. All of our placements have been set out from the beginning with a four year plan given to us when we started, this has then been tweaked enabling us to get the most out of the scheme.

Support is available to us when we need it, with regular interactions with the ECP managers allowing with line managers. When we started the scheme we were given a 'buddy' and also a mentor who we are able to go to if we need. Along with the ability to speak to the ECP scheme managers, if there are any particular questions being asked about the scheme.

As I am carrying out an NVQ L4 and a Business Management Degree, I use two different providers; Alliance Learning and Bolton University. Both of the providers provide an exceptional amount of support. Meetings are held regularly with Alliance learning ensuring we are on track, with timely feedback on any work completed. With Bolton Uni we have lectures twice a week were we gain request additional support if necessary.

With carrying out both a Business Administration NVQ L4 and a Business Management Degree I can use both together to provide any common linkages with what I do at work. In both of these qualifications it gives me the ability to complete units by cross-referencing what I have done previously in the workplace, making these units easier to complete, likewise I can use what I have learnt at Uni and apply it at work.

Yes, at MBDA there are so many extra-curricular activities we are able to get involved in whether this just being within the ECP community our with the whole Bolton workplace. I am currently a member of the Space2B and charity challenge committee. Additionally, I have attended school events, MOD visits and Parliamentary visits.

Yes

MBDA has been an excellent place to work for so far, providing me with the opportunity to carry out several qualifications in addition to my everyday work, and they have offered their support to enable me to complete this to the highest standard. Within the workplace, we are given the opportunity to work within various departments providing us with an understanding of how the whole organisation operates, this being very rewarding as I have been able to get involved in projects that many people haven't.

When applying for an apprenticeship at MBDA, try to learn about the business, what they do and how they operate etc. Try to get involved with as many extra-curricular activities before applying such as completing Duke of Edinburgh as things such as this on your CV are beneficial and will help you provide good answers on the application.