Business Apprentice Review

On a day-to-day basis, I support the running of the business through performing administrative and project-management related tasks. My role involves supporting my manager and team through producing and maintaining accurate documents and records, managing meetings and correspondence, supporting business processes and handling enquiries. The role has ample opportunity for further learning, and there are a variety of tasks with varying degrees of challenge.

The programme is very well structured and organised. There are clear expectations, not only for us on the programme, but also what we can expect from people supporting the programme. Delivery days are informative and comprehensive, and our learning pathway is clearly mapped out in an easy to understand way.

Those supporting the programme are well-trained on how to support us during our learning. Programme leaders are easy to reach and there are steps in place to support our learning no matter our circumstances. My employer has numerous resources for mental health, safeguarding and reporting concerns, and they promote a speak-up culture. From experience, when a concern was identified, ample support was available and it was thoroughly investigated.

The programme does their training in-house and the team are very knowledgeable on which knowledge, skills and behaviours we are required to develop during our learning period as part of our scheme. They are very supportive in ensuring that we are continuously learning and they ensure that we have access to the required resources.

Before beginning my programme, my knowledge of business as a whole was very poor. My training provider and the qualification are greatly improving my performance in my role by enabling me to understand why my role is important and how it contributes to the business. I have a greater understanding of how businesses operate and I use this knowledge to improve my work. I am able to understand, analyse and apply business processes and identify improvements.

Yes

I applied to BAE Systems after hearing a friend's experience on an adjacent programme. They spoke very highly of their programme and I could tell that they loved working for BAE Systems. I moved a great distance to take the opportunity, and despite being initially unsettled at such a large move and career change, I have no regrets in taking the opportunity. I have learnt more in the short time I have been on this programme than I did in my years of previous work in a different field.