Finance Apprentice Review

I am a finance apprentice working on a project delivering aircraft to a customer within our company. Day to day, I look at hedge reviews, monthly forecasts to ensure spending is in line with budget, invoices coming in to the business being paid by partner companies and programme delivery. I work with finance, project management and project control in a combined approach.

I have learnt plenty of new skills since starting my apprenticeship, such as professional scepticism, learning to ask questions when approached with data and information. I have done many external training courses, such as resilience, presentation skills and respect and banter at work training. Also improved existing skills such as communication, networking etc.

I enjoy my programme as I can see where it can lead to, being an integral part of the business. I enjoy the ability to have flexible working around study and day to day work life, while still being a valued member of the team. Also, the programme is well structured.

We had a lengthy induction which went over everything we needed to know. Also, we were given a mentor at the start of our program who we can keep in touch with all the while through the business. We are given a new manager in each placement, which I have experienced to always be very helpful and organised in helping us progress in our apprenticeship.

I receive a good amount of support from my employer, as they always provide support with my exams and placements. I know multiple people who I can go to if I am in need or have a question and everyone is friendly and approachable. Lots of support on offer to us.

There are good resources avilable from the provider in terms of mock exams, study texts and things like that. Their online system is good and during covid, the in person classes transferred over to zoom which have also been effective. Personally, I think the delivery of classes is not always the best as they mostly just read through the book. Apart from the examples we complete together, you could often do this yourself.

Day to day, I partly see my qualification in my role however it is not always apparent. I think it underpins alot of the work we do but it is not often needed in every day work, but I don't think that is because I am an apprentice it is just because of the nature of the tasks.

Yes, there are many sports clubs on offer to join, however recently these have slightly reduced because of covid. There are lots of volunteer opportunities and stretch assignments where you can network with different people not on your scheme or from your business unit, which is useful when just starting out in your career.

Yes

Because as a company, it is very well established. They look after their employees through share and remuneration packages and these are also extended to apprentices. I feel like they give a lot of thought and opportunities to apprentices and they really really value our future work and future prospects.

Be yourself and be confident. Research the company so you know what you are talking about in the interview and you will impress the interviewers. The assessment centre is very thorough but that shows it is a good, reputable company who only employs the best people, therefore you know if you work there you are going to be successful.