Business Administration Apprentice Review

The role involves a lot of admin work using different applications to ensure that employees of the Company have the training they require to understand their job properly and complete their tasks to the best of their ability. I am also involved in the day-to-day running of the aerodrome and creating websites for the teams that work within the aerodrome.

I have advanced my skills of a multitude of different IT applications including Microsoft Excel and SharePoint. I have also become more confident in myself as a person, I have advanced my networking skills and I have found that I am not as nervous anymore when contacting people I don't know.

I thoroughly enjoy the programme. No two days are ever the same, there is always something different going on throughout the business for me to get involved in, meaning that the work is varied and always interesting. Everyone at BAE Systems is so helpful and welcoming, I have been made to feel valued and important in both of the teams I have been in.

The programme has been well-organised from the beginning, we have received a timetable-like document that details all of the college days and when and where they are. The college days are every once a month and they have a very clear structure. We receive an assignment monthly which is due at the next college day.

It has been obvious to me since before I started working at BAE Systems that the organisation is extremely supportive of its employees, and since starting my apprenticeship I can confirm this to be true. The Company wants you to do well and go far, and it pushes you to do so by forcing you out of your comfort zone.

Training providers are very helpful and are always more than happy to sit and talk to you about any questions you may have in order to help with the college work. They are also very supportive in the sense that it feels as though you could go to them for anything and they would listen to you and point you in the right direction.

So far, it has helped me develop professionally and has extended my knowledge of the Company.

There are plenty of professional networking events to get involved in, such as helping out with the new cohort of apprentices and their induction and outward bound. BAE Systems also have a flying club that you can join and get your private pilot's license (though this does cost)

Yes

I have not had a job that I have enjoyed as much as I have working at BAE Systems. The salary is competitive for an apprenticeship, you are well looked after as a person and made to feel appreciated in the role. I have actually had 3 friends apply for BAE on my recommendation,

The most important piece of advice is DO YOUR RESEARCH! It is almost impossible to get into the Company without researching it first. Don't be disheartened if you get rejected the first time - persevere. It is uncommon for apprentices to get onto the scheme on their first time applying. Get clued up on all the current projects the Company is part of and have them at the ready to talk about in your interviews.