Advanced Business Apprentice Review

The role as a business apprentice fluctuates between placements. My first placement involves providing business support by looking at time and attendance, and unbalanced hours for those who are direct bookers. This along with other information such as training schedules is then collated monthly into a presentation and reporting pack to the senior management team.

I have developed my skills in running presentations learning how much information is needed on slides, speaking pace and how I generally compose myself. I have also learnt new skills on excel when creating reporting packs, I have learnt a number of formulas and how to conditional format spreadsheets to show data in a clear and professional way.

I find my programme extremely enjoyable, whilst I have some day to day task it feels as though no day is the same. I'm trusted with a number of tasks and receive constant support and guidance when needed. I enjoy networking within my program as I work for such a large company it can sometimes feel intimidating. However at BAE Systems there Is no such thing as a silly question and everyone supports and wants to get to know you.

The structure of the programme is well organised, upon starting we are given a package which contains dates for college and dates for placements. It also contain information on which subjects you will be learning on your college days. As well as this assignments are given the day of college and due just before your next college day so you can organise your placement work load around this.

The support at BAE Systems is unbelievable, nothing is to much trouble. Each member of staff gets to know you and any requirements you may have. They provide advice and comfort for any difficult situations anyone may be facing in and outside of work. We have safe guarding staff which are great at giving advice, but beyond our main points of contact in work everyone is willing to help. Whether that be with an issue or wanting to learn more at work.

We receive lots of help from our training provider, they provide lots of helpful documents along the way. During each college day we are given the chance to ask lots of questions, and request immediate feedback for any work we have done. I personally have felt very comfortable in reaching out for extra support if needed.

The training we receive helps me to perform better in my role by giving me an overall understanding of the organisation, how business perform, project management tools and managing stakeholders. With this over view I can then apply it to my role and gain a further understanding in terms of BAE Systems, these skills are transferable for any company in the future also.

BAE Systems have multiple extra-curricular activates to get involved with. We have regular networking events and social activates. We are also supported to start any activities we feel are beneficial to the company, for example I am currently helping to organise events for national apprenticeship week to help raise money for charities, the company has backed this with funding and lots of support.

Yes

The experience of earning whilst learning is a great way to secure yourself a qualification whilst gaining life experience. Many students leave college and go to university to find themselves with lots of debt and a qualification in something they may never wish to undertake as a career. With BAE Systems as you move around in placements you get a large understanding of the business whilst networking, the qualification and job go hand in hand helping you.

When applying for BAE Systems ensure you hit you deadlines, research the company values, aims and objectives and see how you could impact those in a positive light. Take your time with your application, without realising it how you behave at college/home can show characterises on how you might perform at work. If you have no work experience look at volunteering or other avenues to show you can handle commitments, but most importantly be yourself.