Commercial Apprentice Review

by Transport for London

Best Apprenticeship Employer

Rating

7.4/10

1. Please give an overview of your role and what this involves on a day-to-day basis:

Working in the Commercial team of a publicly funded organisation. Assisting in all commercial functions across the procurement cycle, including contract management, supplier relationships, tendering and market analysis.

8/10

2. Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?

I have been able to learn new skills and develop my existing skills. I have been afforded the opportunity to work across the business in a wide variety of functions.

8/10

3. To what extent do you enjoy your programme?

I enjoy many aspects of the programme although I do not feel that I made the right choice when I applied for the programme. However I have learnt a great deal about my strengths and weaknesses and have acquired transferable skills.

8/10

4. How well organised/structured is your programme?

The opportunities within the business are many and varied. The teaching element of the apprenticeship was a little rushed and did not always work in harmony with the placements within the business. However I have achieved the required standard.

7/10

5. How much support do you receive from your employer?

I receive support from my employer, however it is not always the case that those that I work with understand the apprentice programme and what is required of me.

6/10

6. How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?

I think that the support from my training provider could have been more proactive. More college sessions and more online support would have been helpful.

7/10

7. How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?

It has helped me to understand the structure of the procurement cycle and the legislative and philosophical structure that supports it.

6/10

8. Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)

Yes. There is a tendency to assume that all apprentices are young people. I have however particularly enjoyed the extra-curricular activities afforded to me in this position.

9/10

9a. Would you recommend Transport for London to a friend?

Yes

9b. Why?

There is a recognised cohort of apprentices on a vast number of schemes and this enables you to learn about and experience things beyond the scope of your apprenticeship programme. There is also a wealth of potential opportunities for employment within the business. The standard of recruits is very high.

10. What tips or advice would you give to others applying to Transport for London?

Go to an apprenticeship fair and talk to actual apprentices about the schemes. Read all the information and think about the skills that you wish to develop before choosing a scheme. Be open to all the opportunities afforded to you once you are on the scheme.