Business Management Degree Apprentice Review
at MBDA
Degree Apprenticeship
Procurement
Bolton, Greater Manchester
Review Submitted: April 2025
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
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Overview of Role
5/5
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Skills Development
5/5
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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 currently completing my four and a half year apprenticeship, which involves various placement rotations. At the moment, I am working in the Project Control team, where I am required to monitor a programme through its schedule whilst providing monthly reports.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
5/5
I have thoroughly enjoyed the last year and a half at MBDA, and feel as though I am constantly progressing on both a personal and professional level. The placement rotations also allows for a wide range of knowledge and experience to be gained from each function.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
5/5
Within my time so far, I have learnt various new skills in the field of procurement and project management. For instance, this involves a contract's lifecycle, as well as developing my knowledge in key project management skills, such as risk reviews and reporting.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
5/5
Very well organised, with a clear placement plan structure of the following years to come. I feel I have a strong insight into my future working functions, and receive bi-weekly check-ins from my 'Technical Coordinator' to ensure I am still on-track to meet my objectives within my current function.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
5/5
There is continuous support, on both a personal and professional level. Regular catch-ups and progress reviews are scheduled in with both my placement manager or HR contact to provide constant support and guidance. MBDA also have an external wellbeing provider, PAM wellness, which is available for use at any time.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
5/5
Constant support is provided in regards to my qualifications. Apprentices are allocated five study days per year, which is paid absence on top of our weekly day-release, that can be used to write assignments or revise or an exam. Placement managers are often very supportive in allowing time to work towards university deadlines / off-the-job hours.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
5/5
Often the modules I study at university align well to my placements, meaning my knowledge can be transferred across each function. For instance, I have recently completed a module in Project Management whilst being in a P.M role, therefore my knowledge in key skills and tools such as GANTT charts and budgets could be transferred across each function effectively. This has also been the case for procurement roles too.
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
There are many external teams we are able to be involved in, such as the 'Work Experience team, Company Induction team and diversity groups. Additionally, apprentices are encouraged to support in outreach events, such as careers fairs and school talks to share our apprenticeship experience with younger students. There are also many apprenticeship forums which run on both a professional and personal level, ranging from a monthly catch-up with HR, to social events held outside of work.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend MBDA to a friend?
Yes
Why?
From my experience, I believe it is a great place to work due to the positive work culture and vast areas for development. The apprentice scheme makes me feel valued, and I have gained invaluable knowledge from the various functions I have worked in so far.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to MBDA?
Be yourself - MBDA is a very open community and are very welcoming to new starters.
