Business Apprentice Review

Throughout the 2 years I have been experiencing different roles in different teams across the company. Overall, the day-to-day tasks usually consist of inputting data, communicating with suppliers and creating plans of timescales for the team to work towards. This ensures that the payment is not necessary before or after the forecast date.

I always struggled with confidence when presenting information and this apprenticeship has definitely helped to develop this skill. I have also developed significant communication skills with having to communicate with internal and external stakeholders, as well as my interpersonal skills with having to repeatedly build new relationships with each team I join. My adaptability has also increased largely with changing placements every 5 months and the fast changing priorities that come with most teams in the company.

I have really been enjoying the programme throughout the 2 years because I feel that I have 'come out of my shell' significantly. Prior to joining the apprenticeship, I did not have much confidence that I would succeed and almost expected myself to give up, however the huge level of support provided by the early careers team has ensured that I was always listened to and supported when I needed.

I think the programme is extremely well structured because every 5 months we rotate our placements to join new teams and gain understanding of a new area. As well as this, every 12 weeks we have a review to discuss how we feel and how we have improved in each area.

I have received an incredible amount of support from my employer. The early careers team are always available for us to contact if we need support but also check in on us in case we are afraid of asking for help. The regular check ins and contact from the early careers team is definitely one of the main reasons I have stuck with the apprenticeship.

I receive information regarding the qualifications via the early careers team as they teach us the topics and give us our assignments based on the criteria provided by the training provider. I get lots of support from the early careers team with assignments and qualifications as they know the criteria very well and are able to answer all questions we may have.

I feel that learning the qualification helps us to learn the basics behind what we do in each area which ultimately helps us to perform our tasks better because we understand the basics behind it. For example, learning about policies and regulations through the qualification helped me to understand how important it is when working for this company and made me realise how I can abide by these rules.

I believe that there are multiple sporting activities with the company including football, netball and golf. I am aware of a couple of people who have taken part in these activities and they have all spoken highly. I think it is nice that the company provides opportunities like this because it adds a networking aspect and allows people to meet new people of similar interests.

Yes

BAE Systems is a very welcoming and friendly company. If you are unsure of anything in the office and you have to ask a stranger, they will always be willing to help. The level of support is very good throughout the different areas and allows you to grow comfortably by developing your skills and increasing your confidence.

Be yourself. You do not need to be the most academic person to succeed in the company and having the ability to create relationships and stand out will definitely help people see how you would fit into teams. I personally am not the most academic person on my scheme, however being myself throughout all of my placements has allowed me to build great relationships, make brilliant friends and contacts across the company and develop my skills in the areas that I may have been lacking.