Chartered Business Management Degree Apprentice Review

As a Chartered Management Apprentice (or CMI apprentice for short), I work amongst a variety of functions within the operational side of BAE Systems. The scheme involves placement in the likes of HR, Finance, Indirect Procurement and more. Currently I work alongside existing managers, I attend meetings, hold team briefs, and have interviewed new candidates for job roles as just a few examples. Amongst this I also process day to day work, attend apprentice events and have taken on a number of projects which will aid my learning journey.

During my time so far on the programme, I have developed vast amounts of confidence in areas such as presentation and leading a team. I have built on my professionalism, and discovered how to effectively manage time at work amongst life at home encouraging a work-life balance. I have developed my beginner levels Microsoft Office skills into Intermediate level through the use of online courses and high levels of exposure to the software also.

I enjoy my programme to a high extent due to the array of opportunity available to me. You are not just stuck in one aspect of work, I learn an awful lot about the company and its varying functions which keeps my day to day job role exciting. My scheme offers placements in different business functions therefore increasing my awareness of the wider business, and it excites me daily to think about future opportunities in store.

The programme structure for the first 2 years is something I like personally. It is comprised of 4 6-month placements which gives you a clear insight to how different business functions operate. I attend university one day per week on 'day release' which is something that I also thoroughly enjoy as I am in a class with people from different companies completing the same qualifications as me. It mixes the week up a little and is refreshing to take part in 1 out of 5 days a week.

My employer is extremely supportive. As an apprentice you have a designated skills coach, a direct line manager and multiple placement managers depending on which placement you are in. These are the most important people on your learning journey along with the older apprentices on your scheme. I have never felt as though I cannot ask for help, and have received copious amounts of support if I have any doubts or questions on certain aspects of my job role. My managers cater my university work around the placements you are in as much as possible, highlighting that the work-based learning element is very well supported by BSE Systems. In addition, completing university work within work time is not frowned upon, and if anything this is encouraged to allow you to relax outside of working hours.

The University of Central Lancashire are highly supportive, and work closely alongside BAE Systems to ensure that we are given enough time during work hours to achieve highly in our studies. The University offer all facilities and resources that are offered to full-time university students to all of the degree apprentices, making the whole assignment writing experience much easier than I had expected.

During semester 1 at University, I completed a module based on learning more about yourself in order to become better at managing people. Since completion of this module, I have become a lot more self-aware in the workplace which was the first indication for me that my degree tied nicely into the job role that I aspire to achieve. The apprenticeship is catered around the degree and often placements are suited to what modules are being taught within University.

Professional networking groups are heavily encouraged. For example I am part of a Women's Network to encourage women in the workplace. The group is a great way to meet other employees and learn about different viewpoints. In addition, the company host events such as Tough Mudder's and other charity fundraisers which you are encouraged to take part in.

Yes

The company offer a vast amount of opportunity, and for apprentices in particular there is a lot for you to get involved in. There is a huge apprentice community which creates a great support network and because the organisation is so vast, I feel like you can find your feet In something you love before becoming tied down to a job role which you dislike.

Stand out, think outside of the box when applying. It is not all about academic ability as they want the most well-rounded individuals for these sorts of job roles. From personal experience, the more real life examples you can give in interview, the better. This is because it gives the interviewer more scope to talk about, and something which will differentiate you from other candidates. Learn about the company and its values, I would say over prepare rather than under prepare.