Finance Apprentice Review

Item: Finance Apprentice at BAE Systems
Rating: 5
Author: Anonymous

at BAE Systems

Degree Apprenticeship

Finance

Preston

Review Submitted: February 2021

Overall Rating

5 /5

The Overall Rating is the average of all the ratings given in each category. We take those individual ratings and combine them into one final score!

5/5 - Overview of Role

5/5 - Skills Development

5/5 - Structure and Support

Overview of Role

Please give an overview of your role and what this involves on a day-to-day basis:

5/5

Dependant on placement role at the current time. Currently a project accountant, roles include preparing cost data into information used internally for project reviews. Balance sheet inputs, cash claims, cash forecasting, order book reconciliations.
Also involved in some stretch assignments, e.g. Chair on National Apprenticeship Council and also helping to prepare and launch our first internal finance awards scheme - many opportunities like this for all apprentices.

To what extent do you enjoy your programme?

5/5

My apprenticeship and overall experience working at BAE as an apprentice has exceeded my expectations. The exposure it has given me to develop both my technical and softer skills as a professional accountant has been outstanding.

Skills Development

Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?

5/5

Confidence
Technical skills - on the job training and learning
Soft skills
Leadership
Organisation
Excel
Networking
Team work
Problem solving
Communication (lots of variations)
Time management
Interpersonal
Financial Analysis
Public Speaking
Positive reinforcement

Structure and Support

How well organised/structured is your programme?

5/5

Placement rotations every 6-12 months which gives me the opportunity to learn about different elements of the finance function which allows me to piece together and apply all of my theory knowledge from CIMA qualification.
Balance of on and off the job training.
Flexibility is the same as all employees - flexi-time etc which allows me to balance my day to day role and studies.

How much support do you receive from your employer?

5/5

I have a great support network around me which comprises of a scheme lead, skills coach, placement manager and the rest of the early careers HR team.

How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?

5/5

Kaplan - extremely good experience. We have 24/7 support from them on our portal where we can contact someone regarding a query and they will get back to us in a great timeframe.

How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?

5/5

It allows me to apply all of my CIMA theory on the job in my roles which benefits me from a study and role perspective.

Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)

5/5

Outward Bound (similar to PGL, a week developing skills in the lake district with our peers)
Plenty of networking events
College talks
Sports teams
Charity events

Recommendations & Advice

Would you recommend BAE Systems to a friend?

Yes

Why?

I haven't experienced any negatives to working at BAE in general or my apprenticeship scheme. The overall structure and support you receive is great. The fact I can earn a competitive salary whilst learning on the job and having BAE fund my professional qualification is a valuable experience.