Data Analyst Degree Apprentice Review

I interact with my team through 1:1 meetings and through larger team meetings to determine work loads for the week and any issues that may have arisen. I compare databases and determine any anomalies or issues, as well as creating visualisations for the data to assist the progression of projects. Within my placements I have had the opportunity to interact with people external and internal to the business to aid in my role and assist the team, as well as taking on various responsibilities; for example, managing the process for change requests and data improvement requests.

I have developed many skills. I have greatly improved my IT and technical skills through training and various opportunities in the business, as well as improving my communication and confidence through interacting with people. My knowledge, skills and behavioural competencies have massively benefited from each of my placements.

Overall, I do enjoy my programme. The opportunities given to me are like no other and have hugely affected my learning and development in a positive way. Some placements have been busier than others and have helped me develop more skills but they have all been enjoyable for the most part. The university course is interesting and has challenging aspects, which can become stressful at times but, due to the nature of my smaller than usual class, I have developed friendships and relationships with my peers and tutors which have positively assisted my development.

When I first began this course, I was under the impression that the structure wasnt as organised as it should have been, which was understandable being the first cohort to run in the Barrow In Furness site. However, as we have come up to important points of the course and programme, there has been adequate support and organisation from the company.

My employer has always given me sufficient support when it is needed. In my placements, my placement managers have always been supportive and there for me; having regular catch ups and always being available for any questions or help that is needed, as well as the team. When the support is not needed from the placement ,but another area, the early careers team have consistently provided me with support and help.

With the training provider, some tutors provide more support than others, with them being more available or accessible for questions, whereas some follow a stricter progression of teaching. However, the skills coaches are extremely supportive at all times and encourage 1:1 sessions with them to provide support in any area, whether that may be within the course, with evidence, or even if we need help with contacting people in the business.

My qualification, in certain aspects, has been significantly helpful in my role. For example, the networks module was helpful with understanding my placement in Cyber Security, and allowed me to provide context to the work I was dealing with. However, some aspects were less helpful in the role, but helpful overall: for example, within programming we focused solely on Python and, whilst helpful to learn the theory and the language, Python is not used within any of the software in the business and so the knowledge was not effectively utilised.

Many of the teams I have been a part of in placements have often organised work activities such as social events or networking workshops. I have tried my best to get involved in all of them when they have become known, and interacted with the teams. The Local Higher Apprentice Council (LHAC) also consistently arrange events and activities for apprentices to take part in and become closer as a community.

Yes

BAE Systems have consistently shown me that they are a good company to work for. Whether it be with the workload, the opportunities, the degree, or the people themselves, it has shown to be an effective and welcoming place to work. I have gained a lot of skills at BAE Systems throughout the period I have been working here and would definitely recommend working here to anyone.

I would often advise others to interact with people the best they can and take every opportunity thrown their way. This helps improve skills and relationships with people and ultimately builds a better environment for everyone to work. I would also recommend maintaining personal organisation as well- ensuring folders are organised well and separated into areas of the business/placements, in order to track work and reflect back on with ease if necessary.