Business Apprentice Review

The job I do a daily basis depends on what department I'm in at the time as I move through different departments throughout my apprenticeship. For example, from now until the end of August I am in finance so I am working on jobs such as Capital reports etc.

I frequently learn new skills all relevant to the department I am in at the time however, I do feel I have largely improved my communication skills through constantly changing environments and being forced to work with new and different people.

I enjoy working in my programme as it gives me the opportunity to work within various different environments and meet new people, which is valuable for gaining experience and new skills. I sometimes feel this can also be bad thing as some placements are not a long enough length of time, i.e. by the time I get the hang of what I'm doing in a department I have to move on to the next. I enjoy the additional events we get to partake and help in outside of our placements as apprentices.

As Selex ES employee I feel as valued as any other operating throughout the business, people do not treat me any differently because of apprenticeship status. There are a number of employee benefits which I enjoy taking advantage of and believe there are few organisations which offer the same benefits to apprentices.

The way my programme is structured is extremely good in sense that I get experience from a range of different departments and people, which can ultimately give me a better understanding of my role after my apprenticeship. However, as I said previously, some placements are not long enough for me to make a meaningful contribution which benefits me and the department I am in at the time. I then move department having just manage to get my head around the jobs in my last placement. This may be due to the fact that my apprenticeship is only 2 years long. Although, this is the only problem I have come across so far with the way my apprenticeship scheme.

I have had no issues receiving support from my training provided since I started my apprenticeship. Whenever I have asked for help it has been met with an immediate and helpful response.

I have had no issues receiving support from my employer provided since I started my apprenticeship. Whenever I have asked for help it has been met with an immediate and helpful response.

Compared to other apprenticeships I was offered previous to accepting my offer from Selex, this was the best salary by more than 50%. This salary more than meets my costs.

There are various different activities that you can get involved in at Selex as an apprentice outside of your placement. Since joining Selex in September 2014 I have participated in or have had the chance to participate in events such as the Edinburgh Science festival, The Selex Recruitment event, our recent Quadcopter Challenge etc etc.

Yes

I have enjoyed my time at Selex so far. I have enjoyed meeting and working with different people throughout Selex. There seem to be various opportunities to progress across Selex. The salary and employee benefits are really good. The working conditions second to none.

Take time very your application process to prepare yourself for each stage of the process, e.g. research the company. Be honest in what you're writing/saying. Practice with others before your interview/presentation etc.