Finance and Commerce Apprentice Review

My main role is in project accountancy, this means that I review and act on individual projects within the portfolio. After participating in project reviews I do things such as raise invoices, process variations and close projects. Also, I am responsible for running a few month end reports to compare the actual figures vs the forecasted figures.

A main skill that I have developed is my attention to detail whether that be in processing a variation or running a report to ensure that all figures are shown to be correct. Also, I have understood the importance of presentation to engage the target audience of the data being presented. Another main skill I have developed is my competency in excel.

I enjoy the work, especially since I begun to understand it more a couple of months into the programme. My team are all lovely and very approachable, whether this is just to have a social chat or to ask for help. Company culture is also very friendly and welcoming. The apprenticeship has met my expectations well, even with the pandemic I feel I have enjoyed it a lot.

Since the programme has been going on for numerous years, it is very well structured. There is a handover with the previous apprentice in your role which is very valuable. Also, study leave is well organised and I feel we get sufficient days to get the exams completed. There ae regular 1:1 meetings with my manager where we review my progress, set targets and I am asked if there is any work I would like to get involved in or if I have any issues.

I feel very well supported by everyone as a whole. My line manager is very approachable and more than willing to answer any questions. Also, my apprenticeship manager is also very friendly and willing to help with anything, she comes across as being very experienced and this shows in her guidance. In the company it also feels like people care on a personal level rather than just care if the work is going well.

Quite a lot - I have regular reviews around every six weeks. This is an opportunity for me to ask any questions regarding my qualifications and to check I am still on schedule. We also review what work I have been doing and I am offered guidance on how to fill out my training log accordingly.

As I do more exams I find that they increasingly relate to the work I do and will be doing in the future. The first couple of exams greatly helped me to understand the terminology used within the finance environment and taught me how figures link to each other which is useful when bridging gaps between actual and forecasted figures.

I feel I can't comment too accurately as I have only worked through the pandemic however since lockdown has begun to ease the teams have planned some events such as meals and golf. Through the pandemic there was also a daily team meeting where we would catch up and play quizzes and games.

Yes

I would recommend Siemens because it is a good company to work for for numerous reasons such as the friendly and approachable nature of everyone within the company and there is always opportunity to develop skills and experience whether that be through courses or training days or qualifications. Also, because they have a lot of business every day is always different.

Despite the application process being quite lengthy, it is also enjoyable so I would say to try and focus on the enjoyment of it rather than any nerves because that way you will also come across as a more authentic version of yourself. For assessment days I would also say to ensure that you are well prepared.