Commercial HLA Review

I am a commercial HLA within Babcock on a 2 year programme. I experience multiple different areas of the business within work placements assisting the various teams with day-to-day activities. I attend/support in meetings, take responsibility for my own tasks as well as completing various tasks towards the apprenticeship standard.

I have learnt how to communicate with senior stakeholders and how to portray myself with personal branding. I have also developed my team working skills, organisation and self-management skills as well as my resilience and willingness to take on board constructive criticism. Therefore I have also increased my positive attitude towards stressful situations.

I enjoy the opportunity to experience multiple area of the business and build a rapport with such a wide range of both internal and external stakeholders. I also enjoy the apprenticeship standard as it gives me the opportunity to stay connected with the rest of the HLA cohort and increase knowledge sharing on a daily basis

My Apprenticeship programme with Plymouth city college has been structured well and suited the on the job experience also. I attended an 8 week period to complete the diploma of the apprenticeship. However, within my job role and standard college task there is flexibility to adapt it to my working style and preferences to gaining experience.

I have received a sufficient amount of support in all of my work placements from both my direct line manager as well as the other colleagues in each team. I have also received support from more senior stakeholders such as project managers and commercial directors during day-to-day work activities and more interval organised meetings.

I received a sufficient amount of support from the teacher that gave the lessons for the level 5 diploma in business leadership and management both during lesson and outside via email etc. I have also received support from my apprenticeship assessor throughout the duration of my apprenticeship, providing guidance and recommending improvements for standard tasks towards my end point assessment.

It helps me to reflect on activities I have completed during work and encouraged me to focus on continuous professional and personal development. Obtaining my diploma has given me the knowledge of some key models and behaviours to implement into my working day and taught me how I learn/work best.

Yes there is many networking opportunities including; Babcock women's network, Young professional network, Babcock Pride network, Ethnic Minority network etc. as well as the Diversity and Inclusion Babcock group. I am part of multiple networks which hold regular webinars and discussion with various key speakers covering different topics for the business world.

Yes

They provide the opportunity to build a career rather than just providing you with a short term job opportunity. The support both professionally and in terms of mental health is extremely high and sufficiently communicated. The company encourages multi-functional communication which allows for knowledge sharing and development and also the opportunity to build an invaluable professional rapport

To take every opportunity available and try to extend experiences to reach outside of the comfort zone. These opportunities include in person opportunities to communicate as well as to focus on independent development of your competence by reaching out to stakeholders to expand your business wide and functional knowledge to get a better idea of the wider processes around your job role.