Business Administration Manufacturing Review

During my time in manufacturing, I had the opportunity to spend time in several different departments, which helped me understand how the whole process works from start to finish. I started in the Material Control department, where I learned about material certifications, stock takes, allocating materials, and raising orders. This gave me a good understanding of the starting point of the manufacturing process and how important it is to have the right materials available.
I then spent time with the Production Engineering team, where I learned how products begin to be manufactured and the different ways we make the process more efficient, such as nesting. After this, I worked with the Planning team and gained an understanding of how production is organised and how the order of work is scheduled within manufacturing.
Finally, I spent time in the Quality department, where I learned more about inspection and quality processes. Spending time in each of these departments helped me build a range of skills and gave me a much better understanding of how the whole manufacturing department works and how each team contributes to the final product.

My programme followed a job-rotation structure which allowed me to experience different areas of the business and build a wider understanding of how they all work together. Toward the end of the programme, there was also a clear structure in place to support progression within the business. Now that my apprenticeship has finished, I’ve been able to move into another department based on the knowledge and skills I developed during it. It’s good that the opportunity to progress doesn’t just stop once the apprenticeship ends, and that there are still chances to continue developing within the company.

I always had Fridays available in a designated room to complete my college work without interruption. This meant I had enough time to balance my day-to-day tasks while also having dedicated time to complete coursework, revision and assignments.
As well as this, I had 1–2–1 meetings with my line manager throughout the duration of my apprenticeship. This gave me the chance to highlight if I needed further development in certain areas, or if there were aspects I didn’t fully understand and needed advice or mentoring on.

From my training provider, she was always willing to help and go through anything if I was struggling. She was available through OneFile messages and email whenever needed, as well as through our bi-weekly or monthly meetings.

I think my course helped bring together the learning I was already gaining through my job. It allowed me to recognise the skills I had naturally developed in my role, as well as the ones I still needed to work on. The criteria set by Pearson helped highlight this, and I was able to apply it to my day-to-day work, such as improving my communication, developing my stakeholder management, and thinking more about the wider effects of external factors on my organisation.

Yes

Yes, I would recommend Exentec UK Hargreaves Ltd to a friend. My apprenticeship gave me the chance to work in different departments and gain a good understanding of how the business works. I felt supported throughout by my team, my line manager and my training provider, which helped me develop my skills and confidence. Since finishing my apprenticeship I’ve also been able to move into another department, which shows there are real opportunities to progress within the business. The company also works in really strong sectors, which means there is good potential for future progression and growth.