Operations Apprentice Review

My role within MBDA is an Operations Apprentice. This means, that I learn and practise a lot of different things, related to Manufacturing, and Electrical Engineering. My average day consists of shadowing skilled workers, to gain a better understanding of the different manufacturing processes, completing job write-ups, and participating in extra-curricular activities within the company.

Since joining the apprenticeship scheme, I have learnt so many new skills. From specific manufacturing processes and techniques, such as mechanical assembly and electrical wiring and circuit card assembly, to first aid at work. The apprenticeship also helped me develop my existing skills, like professionalism, behaviours, teamwork, integrity and commitment.

Since I started at MBDA, I have enjoyed all of the placements I have been on. I an able to spend 3 months on each placement, meaning i het a good understanding of each department, how they work, what they do, and how they link to the wider business. I also enjoy the different initiatives and groups within MBDA, as they give me a sense of belonging in the company, and make me feel valued.

My programme is structured quite well. I am aware of all the requirements to complete my apprenticeship, as well as a progression pathway, during my studies. MBDA offer career development workshops, and have core development opportunities for all apprentices. I get to network with others, and this contributes to my overall success on the scheme.

MBDA offer a great deal of support to all of their employees, especially apprentices. From dedicated Line and Placement Managers, Physical and Mental Health First Aiders, to the network of online resources available to employees 24/7, they do a lot in supporting employees. Apprentices are able to use 5 "Study Days" per academic year, for their academic studies.

My training provider does support me in working towards my qualifications. They equip me with the right technical knowledge and practical skills, to succeed in my apprenticeship. I have a clear plan of the units in my course, when I will start them, and what requirements I have to meet, in order to complete them.

My qualification (through my training provider), doesn't really relate to my role. Due to working in the defence industry, most of the relevant training is delivered on site/in company, due to security reasons, and the specific nature of the work we do.

Within MBDA, there are a number of different corporate networks, and extra-curricular activities that we can access. From The Club, which runs things like sports clubs and away days, to MOSAIC (championing ethnic diversity) and GEN-EQ (Gender equality). I am also an active member in the IGNITE committee, which runs event for ECP's (Early Career professionals), made by ECP's.

Yes

From the different learning and development opportunities, the discounted food, the different corporate networks, to the specific technical and practical development, MBDA is a great place to work. I feel proud to be a part of the MBDA family, and recommend the company to anyone interested in working in the defence industry.

I think that being open-minded is one of the key strengths when applying to MBDA. The majority of the interviews for jobs at MBDA, are NOT skills based, meaning that they look at who the candidate is as a person, as opposed to how smart they are.