IT SAP Service Delivery Apprentice Review

My role on a day to day basis is always changing, as I work with various departments on placements, to get an overall understanding of the company and it's processes. I work on many projects, including developing a desk booking solutions for the IT Department, conducting a Business Impact Analysis for each process' applications, and working with Finance to improve their experience when using SAP to transact.

Before the apprenticeship, I had no prior experience with SAP, the Agile working model, or programming languages such as Visual Basic. However, since joining, I have drastically expanded this knowledge, and have developed my skills for configuring SAP and utilizing the Agile Working model, as well as working with many colleagues and departments.

I enjoy my apprenticeship to a great extent, the company itself is one that I respect entirely and am deeply interested in, along with being exceptional employers, providing great opportunity for me to work with all of the friendly colleagues and departments that would aid my apprenticeship. With no two days being the same, the apprenticeship provides immense satisfaction and motivation.

Due to COVID-19, the structure/organisation of the programme has been hindered, however I do believe that the business is doing what they can to support my apprenticeship, ensuring that it can be as structured as possible. I have had regular meetings with my manager to discuss the structure of my programme including planning placements in other areas of the business.

My manager and team are very supportive, including weekly members of the team taking up chunks of their time to meet with me and share their knowledge. I have weekly meetings with my manager to ensure I am receiving the support I require and if I have any queries. There is also the HR Department who deal with apprenticeships that can support me if required, along with sufficient support provided from the university.

The University provides many avenues to go down to receive support for many purposes. The lecturers themselves are always happy to support with any academic queries or problems I may have, and there is sufficient support in place for any other issues I may have with the apprenticeship or course.

I feel that my studies help me perform better in my role to a good extent, as it has provided me with a better understanding of network environments, programming logic and skills required in the workplace such as presenting and working with others. This knowledge acquired along with the skills obtains aids my work greatly.

At the start of my apprenticeship there was a couple of corporate team-building days where I met the other apprentices, however COVID has greatly impacted these extra-curricular activities, providing little opportunity for the company to offer such activities. Once restrictions have eased there are some social events already in place, and I am sure the company will offer more of these events once able to.

Yes

I would absolutely recommend BMW group to a friend, the culture within the company is very accepting and accommodating, as well as being incredibly interesting and providing many opportunities to work in different areas of the business, both functionally and geographically. The company benefits offered, even for apprentices, are exceptional, and I have never met a colleague that I haven't enjoyed working with/speaking to.

Ensure you are able to work well under pressure, as the pressures of production can cause important deadlines to be needed to be met, and a genuine passion and interest in the company will be beneficial as there is much to learn about the company, and many people who share the same passions to discuss with and learn from.