Talent and Leadership Review
at The AA
Higher Level Apprenticeship
Business Operations
Basingstoke
Review Submitted: May 2021
Overall Rating
4.5 /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
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Overview of Role
5/5
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Skills Development
4/5
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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
I am responsible for Leadership and Talent initiative at the AA. I work within Human Resources in Basingstoke. My day-to-day work is very varied with multiple projects. I get to work with many different stakeholders from across the business including insurance and roadside.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
5/5
I have really enjoyed my programme and would recommend it to anyone thinking of doing an apprenticeship. It has enabled me to broaden my horizons and work with colleagues from different areas of my business as well as people from different companies. It has also given me a higher level of knowledge and skill which will support me on the next step of my career journey.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
5/5
During my Senior Leader apprenticeship, I have learnt lots of new skills that have supported me in my job role. These include change management processes, strategy, operations management and marketing. The one module that I really enjoyed was 'finance and accounting' as it has enabled me to work more efficiently with budgets and understand the business P&L. I have also improved my interpersonal skills with senior stakeholders.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
3/5
The teaching at Cranfield is great however the course administration and coordination could be improved. The modules are really well organised and there is a lot of resources to support you with your learning. My tutors have been great and have supported me throughout the process.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
5/5
I receive a lot of support from my employer, in particular my line managers. Within my team, there is always someone that can support me. As part of my end apprenticeship project, I had many people across the business offering their time to give me information and support my initiative.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
4/5
The courses are very well planned and the teaching is excellent. We also have a tutor that supports us with our portfolio and our work based apprenticeship project. We are also given a personal supervisor that supports with the thesis. In addition, they also have a learning support team who are able to help if you have additional needs e.g. dyslexia.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
5/5
This qualification has helped me to perform better in my role. Throughout the two years, I was constantly reflecting on how to improve in my role. The new learning also supports me in being more innovative and look at different perspectives. Working with people from other businesses enables you to widen your network which helps with idea and experience exchanges.
Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)
3/5
Due to Covid-19 this is now very limited. There are Diversity and Inclusion networks that you can join and frequent team update calls.
Prior to Covid-19 there were loads of extracurricular activities such as quizzes, Christmas markets, and competitions.
Prior to Covid-19 there were loads of extracurricular activities such as quizzes, Christmas markets, and competitions.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend The AA to a friend?
Yes
Why?
It is a company that supports people with their continued professional development. The AA also has ample opportunities to grow and develop.
The people at the AA are lovely and are a real pleasure to work with. I generally love getting up every day and going to work.
I also love and am proud to work for an iconic brand.
The people at the AA are lovely and are a real pleasure to work with. I generally love getting up every day and going to work.
I also love and am proud to work for an iconic brand.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to The AA?
Be yourself. Make sure you prepare for the interview - know the AA values, history, and the reason why you want to work for the brand. It is also key to know what you will be bringing to the role over all the other candidates. Make sure you show yourself as someone that is passionate, enthusiastic with a can-do attitude!
