Higher Business Apprentice Review
at GE Aerospace
Degree Apprenticeship
Business Operations
Cheltenham, UK
Review Submitted: May 2023
Overall Rating
4.7 /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
4.4/5
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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
As a Higher Business Apprentice at GE Aerospace, I rotate around the business. Focusing on different departments within the supply chain. These can include Sourcing, planning and quality as examples. You work 4 days of your week in your department doing standard work but also carrying out placement specific projects.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
5/5
I have really enjoyed my time on the scheme so far. My first rotation has given me a lot of freedom to develop and also shape the departments standard work. This is enjoyable as it makes a real difference in the amount of time it saves the company. It is also something that I can leave behind when I rotate.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
5/5
You develop several skills both during your weekly study day and also whilst you are in your placement. Personally, I have developed my confidence in presenting and also talking to people outside of the business. Through carrying out order book reviews with my suppliers and also going out to visit them. This has also developed my stakeholder management skills.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
5/5
The HBA program at GE has a clear structure, with 6 month rotations in your first 3 years, followed by a 12 month rotation in your final year. Throughout this you also attend university on-site 1 day a week. The course is all coursework based. You also get the chance to work as part of several enrichment teams.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
5/5
Higher business apprentices have several layers of support whilst they are on the program. Within the apprentice community, you have your fellow apprentices, some of whom will be your 'mentor'. They are older apprentices who are there to help you in with any issues and provide advice. Placement managers are also very supportive of the scheme throughout the business.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
4/5
The training provider during the HBA scheme is Coventry University. You attend university once a week and they come to the GE site. You receive good support from your tutor and you can message them on days which are not your uni day, so they are always available to help.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
4/5
The modules you go through during your university course relate well into your rotations. They can be applied across each rotation, some will be more prevalent however depending on the rotation. For example, one of the modules is about communication which can be applied throughout your time on the scheme.
Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)
4/5
At GE there are lots of ways to get involved in extra-curricular activities. Whilst you are on the scheme you are part of a different enrichment team each year. These can include organising work experience or the HBA residential. There are also lots of sports teams and activities set up both within the apprentice community and the wider GE.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend GE Aerospace to a friend?
Yes
Why?
The higher business apprenticeship scheme at GE provides you with a well structured and practical way to start your career, as you are able to try a bit of everything as you rotate around the supply chain. This allows you to see what you like and dislike and also to learn about how each part connects.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to GE Aerospace?
I think to get the most out of the apprenticeship you have to be open-minded to each rotation and try and get the most out of each one. I would also say it is important to try and leave something in each rotation, for example a project that will help that rotation after you go.
Business Operations: Project Management
at GE Aerospace
- Placement (10 Months+)
- Cheltenham, Gloucestershire
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2.4
