Higher Operations Apprentice Review

I am a Higher Operations Apprentice. This involves rotating around the business in different departments learning skills, tasks and jobs along the way. I am currently working in Avionics which is in Operations. I am currently working on a Programme Management project which involves facilitating, customer communications and a number of liaison activities to name but a few. Alongside this I am studying for my Foundation Degree alongside a number of projects and volunteering/enrichment activities.

I have gone on a number of GE courses and most recently I am training for my Six Sigma Green Belt qualification. I am working towards my Foundation Degree and eventually my full degree. I have learnt a number of personal and professional skills, ranging from confidence levels, to product knowledge, to new tools and software knowledge as well as different methodologies day to day to get different tasks completed.

I enjoy the daily challenge, the interactions with a vast number of people as well as the constant flow of opportunity to work in teams of many levels. I enjoy the GE culture and regularly get involved with enrichment activities with charity, Netball where I am the Captain of the company team, and fundraisers on site. The programme has met my expectations to date, as I am learning so much, and benefitting so much from the company's investment in my education and the time they have given me to develop me and improve my future prospects.

I regularly feel part of a team, my Apprenticeship Leader always thanks me for things I have done, and congratulates me for things I do well. I have received R&R's recently for my great contributions towards my current project as well as regular thank you e-mails when I help people out. I sometimes feel people do not say thank you enough, or do not put R&R's through enough for some people, but I believe we're heading in the right direction, and I'm proud to be a part of the system.

As I am the first of a group of apprentices on our Operations Course, there have been many teething problems, and we have felt like 'guinea pigs' at times, testing the grounds. But ever since we have been given a leader for the programme, dialogues have opened and we've had our say on how we want the apprenticeship run, what is good, what needs improvement, and it's rapidly become more organised and better structured than when it first piloted. The full day induction at the beginning of the programme was very inciteful, we have constant support from managers, leaders and mentors as well as colleagues along the way, and we have the support from our sponsored university.

Our support has varied over the programme with the change of tutors as to be expected. There will always be a variation in styles and approaches, but overall I have felt supported throughout the 3 years I have been on the programme. They always make themselves available via e-mail or telephone for queries and questions. There have been moments where I haven't enjoyed the training and the way in which training was run, but it's only natural to not get on with everyone's styles 100% of the time.

Managers are very supportive of the apprenticeship and make sure they give you plenty to do to boost your 'tool kit' of skills. We have been assigned mentors that we regularly visit that help us with anything from the programme, our day to day jobs and even social/home life which I value second to none. There is always someone willing to help, or someone that is willing to point you in the right direction.

I believe that the salary is very good if you look at other people our age, however, I am unable to afford a mortgage and my own house. I am therefore having to live at home still, which can be pretty frustrating at my age. Travel costs aren't too bad as I only live a short distance away from the site, but car issues can be a problem with the wage that I am on. Daily costs are alright, you just need to learn to manage your finances, it is a wage you can easily live on, and we are much better off than a lot of other apprenticeships, but I would be lying if I said I didn't want more than I already have.

There is an engagement and enrichment committee that arrange company events, activities and voluntary initiatives. I am part of the Apprenticeship Charity Committee and am an active member. As well as this, I captain one of the company's Netball teams which allows me to socialise with people from not only all over our site, but within GE as a whole as we get to travel for inter-site games. There are a number of fitness classes available on site for people to get involved with as well. However, when I'm not working and playing netball, I tend to try and spend time with family, with my boyfriend and try to relax a little.

Yes

It's a career, not just a job, and it can be for life if you choose it to be. Numerous opportunities not only here, but all around the globe.

Read into the company, know your facts and figures to wow the interviewer. I would also remember to include all the sports teams/enrichment activities you are involved in on your CV, the more well-rounded a person you are, the more you will stand out. I wish someone had told me that the application and assessment process isn't as scary as people think and not to worry!