Business Apprentice Review

My role involves rotating around different business departments, such as procurement and commercial, every 6-9 months; therefore, day-to-day roles change. I currently work with MBDA's customer, carry out bidding work and contract management. My role has a variety of activities therefore no day is the same, which keeps it interesting.

I have greatly developed my presenting skills as I have been exposed to several situations where I have had to present different material to different types of audiences. Furthermore, through networking with people in the work place, as well as external people, I have developed confidence in my verbal communication skills. I have also developed academic and technical competence through university and learning different processes within the work place.

I do enjoy my programme as I believe that it is a great opportunity to gain a qualification, whilst applying academia learnt to the work place, gaining real work experience. My programme also allows me to be involved in an array of different departments, therefore learning new skills and developing my network. I think my programme provides a great foundation for future career progression, which is important to me.

I believe that my scheme is structured very well as I gain an insight into all different parts of the business, from working with the customer in joint working meetings to negotiate a contract, to buying equipment and liaising with external suppliers. 6-9 month placement are a good amount of type to learnt and become familiar with the working practices of a department, whilst having time to build working relationships with the team. However, it could be more organised at times as sometimes new placements and managers are not known far in advance of changing placements.

I understand that my employer is there to provide support and I have been given good support in the past when I have needed it. However, sometimes it can be difficult to get in contact with certain people and get an answer to a question. I also think that support varies across different departments etc. Support could potentially be more consistent.

This very much varies between different modules and different tutors. I have received phenomenal support on my qualification from my training provider in some cases and the learning and teaching has been extremely valuable. However, unfortunately there have been cases where I have not been able to receive support in certain modules due to a lack of communication. On the whole, my training provider is supportive and help has been previous provided.

My qualification greatly helps the competence in my performance within the workplace as I can apply what I have learnt to real-life situations, which develops my understanding. I am quick to understand different working practices when rotating around business departments as I can see the links to material learnt at university.

Yes my work offer several extra-curricular activities such as joining the sports and social club, or joining sports teams such as football. As apprentices, we are also sent regular emails about different events and activities that we can volunteer for, which supports our professional development. Examples include the chance to visit parliament, speak at a careers fair and to be included in hosting robot rumble.

Yes

I would recommend MBDA as I believe that they provide good opportunities for professional development and career progression. Through offering mentors and a range of both internal and external training courses, knowledge and advice can be gained whilst practicing a range of skills. Also, many managers within MBDA are very supportive, as well as the teams of people within each function.

I would advise that you research the company, and understand their values and mission. Really understand why you want the role and how you think you would be suitable for the role. I would also advise to have a positive attitude to learning and to meeting new people, as well as being committed to your role and responsibilities given.