Business Degree Apprenticeship Review
at GE Aerospace
Degree Apprenticeship
Business Operations
Cheltenham, UK
Review Submitted: May 2023
Overall Rating
4.1 /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!
4/5
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Overview of Role
4/5
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Skills Development
3.8/5
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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:
4/5
We have several core rotations that we have to do (over 6 month periods) therefore your day-to-day responsibilities can change drastically. The core rotations are Materials, Sourcing, Operations, Quality, Planning. The 6th rotation could be anything within supply chain. You then have a 12 month rotation where you have to compete with your cohort for what rotation you want. I think this could be made better if year 4 apprentices could have more freedom on what 12 month rotations were offered.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
4/5
We have 7 enrichment teams throughout the business apprenticeship to ensure apprentices and engaged and enjoying the programme. This includes Social & Professional Engagement, Marketing, School Engagement, Residential, Work Experience, Career Events and Site Tours. I think this could be made better if apprentices were given more responsibility to attend these events.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
4/5
I was originally a shy and nervous person - After joining the apprenticeship I have developed confidence in presenting and speaking up my opinions, due to having opportunities to present to the senior leadership team, and through coventry university presentation assignments. The uni assignments are linked to GE and therefore helps us develop these skills throughout the workplace easier. It's important that managers understand apprentices are on a development scheme rather than an extra head as this gives more time for apprentices to develop skills.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
3/5
We have rotations that are 6 months long, although sometimes the rotations are longer/shorter depending on business need. We have 1 'uni day' per week where are lecturer comes onto site and we learn about the Leadership and Management Degree. When we don't have uni that week, we are allowed 4 hrs self study, however I personally think this should be enforced more within rotations as sometimes this time can get lost within your role.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
4/5
We have a scheme manager and a line manager to ensure that we're supported and happy on the scheme. We can book in 1-1s with the managers to catch up and talk about development opportunities. We also receive an more experienced mentor that's on the scheme to talk about uni and issues with.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
5/5
We have a Coventry lecturer who looks after the scheme for the 4/5 years. She puts in quarterly catchups to talk through our development on the scheme and also our opinions on assignments. We can have a few different lecturers per module, however ... is the main contact for the apprenticeship.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
3/5
I think that the modules / models we learn about through the university is very useful for leadership at GE. However, I think that GE culture sometimes leads us to using the old/'most used' ways when leading, I think it takes a lot of confidence to break through and introduce new styles of leading/managing.
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
There is a Social and Professional Engagement Team within the apprenticeship as previously mentioned. There's an onsite football team and affinity groups who organise professional networking events - they also offer focus groups and support for people who are impacted within the affinity groups. Previously there have also been 'family' and 'employee appreciation' days onsite.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend GE Aerospace to a friend?
Yes
Why?
There is a competitive salary for apprentices and benefits through flexchoice. There's also a lot of support for apprentices through uni and mentors onsite. There's also affinity groups and mental health first aiders onsite for more employee support. Apprentices get the opportunity for volunteering and best practice visits.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to GE Aerospace?
You will likely go through an assessment centre. Ensure you stand out through your interview - you can do this by preparing your leadership examples and how you work in a team. If you have a group activity, ensure that everyone has a chance to voice their opinion. Come prepared with knowledge of GE and it's impact.
Business Operations: Project Management
at GE Aerospace
- Placement (10 Months+)
- Cheltenham, Gloucestershire
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2.4
