Higher Business Apprentice Review

As a Higher Business Apprentice at GE Aerospace, I rotate around the business. Focusing on different departments within the supply chain. These can include Sourcing, planning and quality as examples. You work 4 days of your week in your department doing standard work but also carrying out placement specific projects.

You develop several skills both during your weekly study day and also whilst you are in your placement. Personally, I have developed my confidence in presenting and also talking to people outside of the business. Through carrying out order book reviews with my suppliers and also going out to visit them. This has also developed my stakeholder management skills.

I have really enjoyed my time on the scheme so far. My first rotation has given me a lot of freedom to develop and also shape the departments standard work. This is enjoyable as it makes a real difference in the amount of time it saves the company. It is also something that I can leave behind when I rotate.

The HBA program at GE has a clear structure, with 6 month rotations in your first 3 years, followed by a 12 month rotation in your final year. Throughout this you also attend university on-site 1 day a week. The course is all coursework based. You also get the chance to work as part of several enrichment teams.

Higher business apprentices have several layers of support whilst they are on the program. Within the apprentice community, you have your fellow apprentices, some of whom will be your 'mentor'. They are older apprentices who are there to help you in with any issues and provide advice. Placement managers are also very supportive of the scheme throughout the business.

The training provider during the HBA scheme is Coventry University. You attend university once a week and they come to the GE site. You receive good support from your tutor and you can message them on days which are not your uni day, so they are always available to help.

The modules you go through during your university course relate well into your rotations. They can be applied across each rotation, some will be more prevalent however depending on the rotation. For example, one of the modules is about communication which can be applied throughout your time on the scheme.

At GE there are lots of ways to get involved in extra-curricular activities. Whilst you are on the scheme you are part of a different enrichment team each year. These can include organising work experience or the HBA residential. There are also lots of sports teams and activities set up both within the apprentice community and the wider GE.

Yes

The higher business apprenticeship scheme at GE provides you with a well structured and practical way to start your career, as you are able to try a bit of everything as you rotate around the supply chain. This allows you to see what you like and dislike and also to learn about how each part connects.

I think to get the most out of the apprenticeship you have to be open-minded to each rotation and try and get the most out of each one. I would also say it is important to try and leave something in each rotation, for example a project that will help that rotation after you go.