Business and Finance Graduate Review

My role invoices aiding month end processes I perform monthly/quarterly controls I support IT request and queries for the wider team Purchase order processing and requesting Forecasting and Reporting Internal billing Foreign Exchange hedging Posting of monthly journals Accounts payable enquiries and credit control queries Review and perform internal controls

Over the course of the program we are enrolled onto a structured training course made up of 6 training sessions with an external provider over the course of the year. There is also extensive online training programs available on the company intranet as well as the skills and knowledge gained from the completion of the CIMA courses at each respective level.

The apprenticeship provides a structured program for development and learning. Due to the nature of the program the roles differ depending on the business or environment you are placed which changes year on year. There are a mixture of commercial and finance roles available. Within the 2nd year you are able to have more say in the role you are placed.

The overall structure of the 2 year program is well outlined. As with any apprenticeship there is a lot of self directed study/development which is highly reliant on person drive and motivation. Some of the placement roles can be more demanding than others which can affect progression opportunity between peers.

The support from the apprenticeship managerial team is great, there are planned group actives and weekly catch ups throughout the year. Again the role on role support varies by business and placement and relies a lot on the effort that you put into getting the best experience out of the opportunity as possible.

The training provider offers a designated talent coach who supports you throughout the two years and arranges semi regular catch up meetings over the course of the year as well as the opportunity for classroom sessions. There is many different avenues of learning which is beneficial for those who have a learning style preference.

Having been placed in a financial support role the skills and knowledge learned through the qualification is directly transferable for myself. The benefits of the CIMA qualification is the strategic and managerial modules that would likely also support those apprentices placed in a more financial role. There is opportunity to tailor the qualification to the type of role you want to move into.

I can only speak for the location for which I am based, but the head office site seems to have opportunities for socialising with work colleagues. There are football clubs, running clubs, volunteering events and support groups which meet on a regular basis. As with anything in life, employees are able to be as much or as little involved as they wish.

Yes

The opportunity to work for a company the size of Siemens offers the chance to experience a multinational workplace culture and opportunity to travel if you should wish. The training opportunities over the course of the 2 year graduate scheme allow development opportunities that will only enhance your career prospects.

I would recommend discussing your ideal job role when applying for a position at Siemens. If you are certain of a route between finance/commercial it would put you in a better position to be placed within a role that suited your career ambitions. You must be willing to relocate if applying to Siemens. You could be placed anywhere in the UK and the location will likely change again within the 2nd year of the program.