Commercial Apprentice Review

I am on a degree apprenticeship scheme, working for Airbus. This means I move around different placements within the business every 3-4 months within a range of support functions offering admin support as well as attending and running meetings and working on projects. My day to day role involves answering calls and emails, attending meetings and speaking with a variety of different people.

Through this apprenticeship scheme I have not only been able to develop existing skills but also learn new ones. For example, I have always been a naturally confident person who thrives on working with a variety of different people in order to get the job done and be happy within the team I am working in. Through rotating around different placements and having the opportunity to work with new people every few months, I am able to expose myself and my capabilities to a wider network and higher level management. A new skill I have developed is stakeholder management. Through working with a variety of managers and fellow employees I have gathered how to work on projects and manage their expectations.

I thoroughly enjoy my programme and have never regretted choosing to join Airbus. It is a fantastic company and this apprenticeship scheme is allowing me to gain practical experience as well as a degree that will carry me for my future. As a Commercial Apprentice it is fascinating to work alongside some of the Engineering and Supply Chain apprentices to bounce ideas off each other and share knowledge and expertise.

All placements that I will be a part of were pre-planned before I joined the company meaning I could hit the ground running from day one and know exactly where I will be, and when, for the next 3 years. This has made it easy to plan project closures and handovers as well as understand how to prepare for the next placement when transitioning from one area to the next. I attend college for an academic day on the same day every week meaning my work/college balance is clearly structured.

When I require support I know who the right people are to ask, Airbus is a fantastic company and as long as you show you are willing and capable the support in terms of development is second to none. There are services available for personal support too as and when you may require it.

One day a week, all apprentices attend college on mandatory day release. Our training is provided by Coleg Cambria who are a fantastic education provider across North Wales. Whenever students require support, staff are on hand around the clock to ensure they are given the help they need to achieve above and beyond their potential. As with Airbus, personal support services are also readily available.

As Commercial Apprentices study an Applied Business Management Degree, all academic work must be related directly to the work place. Because of this, apprentices are encouraged to learn as much as possible about Airbus and each placement, in order to submit the best possible standard of work. Through working on modules such as HR, Finance, and Supply Chain, students are able to not only get practical experience from placements but also a depth of knowledge beyond the day job.

At Airbus, there are a wealth of opportunities to get involved in extra-curricular and out of work activities. Such things include: playing football for Airbus FC, becoming a STEM ambassador to attend events at careers fairs and local schools in order to spread the word about apprenticeships and careers in Airbus. As well as this, Airbus have a club for apprentices, interns and graduates whereby a group organize social events such as nights out, bowling and paint balling to provide fun networking opportunities.

Yes

It is a fantastic place to work with endless opportunities. Being an Airbus apprentice and employee makes me proud of where I have come from since doing my A-Levels and I am very excited for what could be a very prosperous future. This company provides me with a job and an education which is few and far between in such a competitive market.

Sell yourself but be honest. Airbus are looking for hard working and confident young people who don't necessarily have a passion for aircraft but a passion for helping Airbus to continue to grow and soar into the future. Create a well-structured CV and a cover letter that explains what you can provide us and why you want to work for us, not just how much you're interested in aircraft - what can you offer us that other's can't?