Business Analysis Apprentice Review

I work with product owners and development teams in a Scrum manner to design, develop and optimise software, websites and app features. My role is a Business Analyst, so I spend a lot of time researching various avenues of what the business should be delivering to customers next, what customers are asking for, and what will be most beneficial to develop first.

The apprenticeship has developed my skill set much faster than any role I have held previously in my career. It has developed existing skills like stakeholder management, IT skills, business management and commerce. I have also learned a lot of invaluable new skills, from different product development methodologies and when to utilise each, to data science and structured project management.

I love my programme. It is challenging, but always a manageable pace and the support is incredible from the company and the training provider equally. Centrica is an amazing place to train, it is a large enough company that the scope of possibility is big enough to cater for all, but not too big that you feel lost in an enormous company. The programme has given me so many new skills that will be absolutely pivotal in boosting my future career.

Very well - learning objectives are clear, manageable and we are always well supported in working to achieve them. The mentors are always amazing fountains of knowledge who are very supportive and work with us to ensure we get the most beneficial work experience and exposure to topics we will grow most from.

A lot - I am just over 12 months into the apprenticeship programme now, and have worked with 3 different teams on placements. The support from everyone in the business is incredible, people work collaboratively and always bring a warm, positive manner to all tasks and activities. Any support needed is always delivered in abundance.

A lot - our tutor is incredible and feels like our personal coach who is there to guide us every step of the way. Every time I have needed advice, guidance, training, support etc my tutor has always been incredible and ensured I have all the support needed to thrive in my role.

A lot - the training, support and conversations have been a real game changer in empowering me to utilise the knowledge and theory gained through studying for my qualification to real impact in my role. This for me is the biggest advantage of the apprenticeship - you gain the theory as you would via formal study, but you also get to ‘test’ your understanding and ability to apply theory in your role, with constant guidance, feedback and support to always improve.

Yes, many - the company will arrange social activities, networking events, training days at industry leaders like Microsoft, and everything is always offered on a non-compulsory basis as the company understand that everyone has different lives, commitments etc and as we all work remotely in different parts of the country, centrica take great efforts to ensure we are all treated fairly.

Yes

I worked for Centrica for 5 years prior to starting this apprenticeship. I would never have anticipated this being my career path when I joined Centrica, and every tenured member of staff says the same thing - you come into the company thinking you know the path you want to proceed down. Then, with time, you see there are a multitude of other paths open to you, many of which you prefer to your initial plan. The size and culture of the company means everyone can happily find a role they love, a department they are passionate about.

Be yourself and be genuine - we have a real culture of ‘being your whole self to work’ at Centrica and it’s very real. Everyone here is not only an expert in their field and amazing to work with and learn from, but also everyone is genuine, warm, friendly and always open to collaboration and team work. It’s an amazing place to work.