Operations Apprentice Review
at MBDA
Level 3 Apprenticeship
Electronic and Electrical Engineering
Bolton, UK
Review Submitted: May 2024
Overall Rating
4.3 /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
My role within MBDA is an Operations Apprentice. This means, that I learn and practise a lot of different things, related to Manufacturing, and Electrical Engineering. My average day consists of shadowing skilled workers, to gain a better understanding of the different manufacturing processes, completing job write-ups, and participating in extra-curricular activities within the company.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
4/5
Since I started at MBDA, I have enjoyed all of the placements I have been on. I an able to spend 3 months on each placement, meaning i het a good understanding of each department, how they work, what they do, and how they link to the wider business. I also enjoy the different initiatives and groups within MBDA, as they give me a sense of belonging in the company, and make me feel valued.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
4/5
Since joining the apprenticeship scheme, I have learnt so many new skills. From specific manufacturing processes and techniques, such as mechanical assembly and electrical wiring and circuit card assembly, to first aid at work. The apprenticeship also helped me develop my existing skills, like professionalism, behaviours, teamwork, integrity and commitment.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
4/5
My programme is structured quite well. I am aware of all the requirements to complete my apprenticeship, as well as a progression pathway, during my studies. MBDA offer career development workshops, and have core development opportunities for all apprentices. I get to network with others, and this contributes to my overall success on the scheme.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
4/5
MBDA offer a great deal of support to all of their employees, especially apprentices. From dedicated Line and Placement Managers, Physical and Mental Health First Aiders, to the network of online resources available to employees 24/7, they do a lot in supporting employees. Apprentices are able to use 5 "Study Days" per academic year, for their academic studies.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
4/5
My training provider does support me in working towards my qualifications. They equip me with the right technical knowledge and practical skills, to succeed in my apprenticeship. I have a clear plan of the units in my course, when I will start them, and what requirements I have to meet, in order to complete them.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
2/5
My qualification (through my training provider), doesn't really relate to my role. Due to working in the defence industry, most of the relevant training is delivered on site/in company, due to security reasons, and the specific nature of the work we do.
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
Within MBDA, there are a number of different corporate networks, and extra-curricular activities that we can access. From The Club, which runs things like sports clubs and away days, to MOSAIC (championing ethnic diversity) and GEN-EQ (Gender equality). I am also an active member in the IGNITE committee, which runs event for ECP's (Early Career professionals), made by ECP's.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend MBDA to a friend?
Yes
Why?
From the different learning and development opportunities, the discounted food, the different corporate networks, to the specific technical and practical development, MBDA is a great place to work. I feel proud to be a part of the MBDA family, and recommend the company to anyone interested in working in the defence industry.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to MBDA?
I think that being open-minded is one of the key strengths when applying to MBDA. The majority of the interviews for jobs at MBDA, are NOT skills based, meaning that they look at who the candidate is as a person, as opposed to how smart they are.
