Business Apprentice Review

I am a business apprentice, so every 3 months I rotate placements around Leonardo. I have been in Procurement, Commercial and Logistics and Material control so far but I will go on to expereince finance, project management and Import/export control. On a typical day I will read over emails, complete work set to me by my placement manager as well as attending meetings to get extra exposure to the company.

Yes, I have developed my Excel skills by completing different Coursera courses. I have also learnt how to compose formal emails, this was a key skill that I have gained as through my different placments I get a lot of customer exposure. I have also got a basic understanding of our SAP system.

I really enjoy my programme, I like the fact that I can rotate around the comapny's different departments to see what I would like to pursue as a career. Furthermore, there are many apprentice challenges you can get involved with which helps yoy to network with people in the company and gain a better understanding of processes that you wouldn't necessarily come across in you day to day role.

Quite well organised, when you start you are given a placement plan which outlines the dates and departments you will be visiting, along with your points of contacts (of which will be your placement managers). Then while you are in each placement you should be given a mini plan of what your placement will include.

I recieve support from my employer; for there are apprenticeship forums every month in which you can openly express any concerns or queries. There is also a progress review, which reviews your placement but it also a one to one with your training officer to express worries or ask for help.

Not as much as what I recieve from my employer, however, if I do need help I can phone my tutor. There are also college reviews which is a discussion of how you are finding your course, if any help is needed/required and if you have any additional questions.

I feel that my qualification that I am getting along my role, provides me with basic information that can be transferred into the workplace. For our modular work, allows a chance for research into different topics such as Stakeholders, but you also have to relate your topics back to your organisation so my knowledge of the business also grows.

Yes, I am a STEM ambassador, in which I have been to different schools to give talks to students about apprenticeships and what they involve; I am also able to answer any questions they may have. I also participate in professional events such as an Apprentice Automation Challenge where you have to automate a daily household item, this involves creating a prototype and a full business case which will be reviewed by a external pannel of judges.

Yes

I think that it is a successful local company for people to work for. It allows a chance for you to learn and gain experience while also earning an income. You recieve a qualification and once your programme is finished there is an opportunity for career progression and personal development.

The most important thing when applying for Leonardo or any job, is that you have to research the company! In automated interviews and face to face interview they will always ask this questions so you have to be able to talk about the company. My other piece of advice would be prepare for your interview as it will help you cofidence.