Business Apprentice Review

I have recently started in the Materials department at Cummins. My role within materials is mainly data analysis based, working with delivery data and providing analysis of delivery data to various stakeholders around the business, from material planners to suppliers. I receive data requests every day from individuals within or outside the business, and my role is to ensure they receive accurate data, presented in a suitable way. Additionally, I am learning how to use new programs alongside my main responsibilities, which will enable me to become more involved in projects going forward.

Since starting the apprenticeship at Cummins, I have been able to develop a wide range of skills and abilities. Communication has been one of the biggest improvements. When working in an office environment, there is a requirement to contact a variety of individuals to identify information and solve problems, etc. Having regular discussions with team members and other stakeholders has built my confidence significantly in terms of effective communication. Additionally, throughout the apprenticeship, I have carried out a number of presentations, for college and work, which has improved my confidence with public speaking. After working in a number of departments at Cummins, I now feel confident when presenting in front of audiences, and communicating with new people.

Overall I have thoroughly enjoyed my time at Cummins so far, I have had the opportunity to work in a wide range of departments, with a variety of people, which has provided me with valuable experience and knowledge which will benefit me in my career going forward. The variation of work plays a huge factor in my enjoyment of the role. Although I have my regular responsibilities, I often have a project to work on alongside my daily/weekly tasks.

Although I have enjoyed my department rotations, and they have provided me with valuable experience and knowledge, I feel the rotations could have been better organized. Sometimes I spent more time than I needed to within a department, which meant I was not working as productively as possible. I feel if there was a set-out structure from the start, this would have been more beneficial. Even though the organization had room for improvement, I have still been able to work in a high number of departments, all of which I have enjoyed in different ways.

Support from my employer is always available if I require it. The managers within the placements are happy to provide support, whether it's for a specific task or for general career advice for example. Furthermore, Cummins has on-site occupational health, who are always available for any issues you may have. Also, the HR department is always available to contact if there are any concerns with work or college.

I am currently working towards a Business Management degree at Warwickshire College. The support I have received throughout this qualification has been brilliant. The lecturers are readily available for additional support if it is needed, and are always happy to go through assignment briefs, etc. to ensure we have a good understanding of what is required in our assignments. Furthermore, our lecturers will provide comprehensive feedback on our assignments and are available to go through assignments in meetings, ensuring we are improving.

Carrying out a qualification alongside work has been very beneficial, as it allows me to apply directly what I am learning in college to tasks and projects I carry out at work. It also benefits my understanding of topics, when I can see certain aspects of business taking place when working. Additionally, I am able to write about Cummins in certain assignments, which allows me to dig deeper into the business, further enhancing my learning.

At the beginning of my apprenticeship at Cummins, I got involved with the works football team, which was beneficial in regard to meeting new people with who I wouldn't have otherwise had the opportunity to communicate. Also, Cummins recently celebrated their 100th anniversary, so they held an open day at their plant which I volunteered at and also attended as a visitor. This also gave me a chance to meet individuals at different levels of the company, and also the chance to show my family around the workplace.

Yes

Overall, I have enjoyed my time at Cummins thoroughly, and the experience, skills, and knowledge I have gained will benefit me substantially in my career going forward. I have been able to understand how a large business operates effectively, and also gain a further understanding of some of the issues which can be seen on a day-to-day basis, and what it takes to solve them.

When applying at Cummins, ensure you are making the most of the opportunity, by carrying out a good amount of research prior to your interview and thinking about why you would like to work for the company. Consider what skills you can bring to the business, and how they set you out from other applicants. Also think about any activities you do in your spare time which may benefit you in a role at Cummins, for example, leadership skills or communication skills.