Business Administration Apprentice Review

From my experiences within my first placement and now my current second placement, I have been given a variety of tasks. Tasks have included drum-beat regular tasks such as analysing data and updating monthly packs, updating monthly team communications, attending and contributing to regular weekly or monthly meetings. I have also been tasked with more ad hoc pieces of work that become relevant as the role progresses.

I have developed existing skills in communication, team work and Microsoft Office skills and have also learnt new skills in more advanced use of Microsoft Excel, data analysis and stake holder management. I have also attended an internal training course on Project Management Fundamentals as well as shorter training sessions on IT skills.

I am thoroughly enjoying my programme with BAE Systems. The support offered and received from Skills Coaches, Line Managers and team members ensures that I feel comfortable, supported and happy whilst on the programme. Regular contact with other apprentices in the cohort is also beneficial. So far my experience has exceeded my expectations.

The programme is well structured and organised. There are regular sessions held for the apprentices with our Skills Coaches to go through any current news or updates, all content and dates for college work and training days were communicated to us at the start of the programme so we are able to schedule work tasks around them. Within my two placements so far, my Line Managers have outlined and structured my objectives and expectations from the beginning of my placement.

I receive a lot of support from BAE Systems. Through my Skills Coach in fortnightly catch up calls, my Line Managers in daily calls and sessions and the teams I am in with weekly calls. I have not needed to receive any additional support but have been made aware of where to find that support should I need it.

Our Skills Coaches are extremely accessible to us whilst working towards our qualifications. Once an assignment is set, we are able to contact them with questions or extra support. During college days any questions that are raised are answered to taken away to be followed up on. I do enjoy our college days and feel supported when completing assignments.

What we learn during college days, directly reflects our day-to-day in the business. The topics covered are aligned to the company's behaviours and Code of Conduct which allows us to understand the business better and further perform in our roles. A lot of what we have learnt so far has already been put in to practise and we are able to relate our experiences to our assignments.

There are Employee Resource Groups available to us at BAE Systems. They are available to everyone and can included social activities, sport activities and networking events. Different events are also advertised to the apprenticeship groups directly if we would like to get involved. Within our teams there are often social events also.

Yes

My experience so far within BAE Systems has been a positive one that has exceeded my expectations. I have developed more than I thought possible, I have learnt new skills, developed existing skills, met new people and have felt supported throughout. I am very grateful for the opportunity to be on the apprenticeship.

With such a high demand for places on the apprenticeships, I would recommend to not be discouraged and to continue applying if you are not successful on the first try. Once on the apprenticeship, build your network, seek out and accept any new opportunities and gain everything possible you can.