Business Apprentice Review

On a day to day basis, in a typical placement, I spend most of my time with my placement manager. My daily activities can change depending on the day, but in general, there are a variety of activities that I do. I shadow my placement manager, listen in on meetings, learn and ask questions, talk with them about the work, and complete any work that they set me.

Since working with Leonardo, although it might sound minor, my Microsoft Excel skills have majorly improved. It is a common platform for everyday work, so using it efficiently is really helpful. I also have improved my communication skills. I no longer feel shy to ask questions or mention to my placement manager when I need help.

I enjoy my programme when I have enough work to be getting on with, and when I have work that I feel capable of doig. If I struggle, help is avaliable to me, but only if the person giving me the work has the time and effort to explain it to me without me feeling incompetent. I enjoy working with people and my fellow apprentices however.

The outline of my apprenticeship programme very well structured. All of my placement plans are set out well, although, they have been changed from time to time. Depending on the designated person, some of my placements have been completely fine with the structure, whereas others have not been. It varies from placement to placement.

My employer gives me a lot of support. Everyone in the business that I have worked with has been open to questions and they have been open to helping me with college work, alongside everyday work. My apprentice training officers are helpful also when it comes to needing help and support, we have apprentice forums that create a safe space for us to talk freely.

My training provider started off quite unhelpful when looking at my qualifications, but that is because I was not provided with an overall guide on what is expected. We would find out what was expefcted of us as we went along, so there was no room for planning. I feel as though when I asked for help it was not explained fully still. It has improved since then, however, it is still not ideal.

I lack to see where the information that is put into my college work, plays a role in my everyday working life. Some of the facts that I write about, I knew already, so I see it as good practice to go through them and write them up in an essay style.

Yes, my appretice training officers give us the opportunity to get involved with STEM projects and charity events. There are team building activities, such as football matches. We also get schoosl involved in work experience with Leonardo, which is a good opportunity to learn how to plan around other people and help others learn.

Yes

I would recommened Leonardo to a friend because as a company, they look after every individual who works for them. Apprentices especially, as we get treated as though we are up and forthcoming, rather than an inconvinience. It is an interesting business and starting here was a great insight into the working world.

If you are applying to work at Leonardo, I would say to look into the background of the business first. Even though I am in a business role, I work with engineers on the daily and have to talk about the engineering side of the products we sell. Having prior knowledge would really help!