Business Administration Apprentice Review

I was a business administration apprentice on the export control team, so I began by being a record keeping of international trade compliance licenses. As I progressed an understanding I was put onto training on how to understand the material I was responsible of keeping records of. This was a smooth transition of building an understanding to get onto more complicated tasks.

I have learnt so much about practical uses of Microsoft programmes, word, excel ect... I have also gained an NQV Level 3 in business administration and a Level 2 in Business improvement techniques.

The experiences available exceeded my expectations, the company is large and full of opportunity. I have very much enjoyed my experience and can see myself staying within an export control role for the foreseeable future.

I am respected as an equal in most situations and have received good credit for my hard work. Only one problem will be with some senior members of staff I have felt discriminated against for being young.

My programme has been very well structured. My company personal SMART objectives were 100% integrated with my qualification courses which was a good single source of an improvement plan.

Full required support was given from TCAT college along my course, I was reassured on where I had adequately completed tasks and notified when there were concerns of slack.

The employers support has been impeccable. They have helped me every time I have asked. They have also chosen opportunities for me to go on a secondment which was a great experience.

BAE Systems pay is fantastic for an apprenticeship however upon leaving the scheme you get the same salary as all apprentice finishers. Which isn't the best because hard work on the apprenticeship isn't reflected upon the starting salary of your first full time role.

There are loads, if there is something you want to improve the company will support it. I chose a UNI course relevant to my role and the company has sponsored me to take the part-time learning.

Yes

There is a role for everyone, in such a large company there is endless experience available. You just have to make sure you ask and within reason the company will agree.

Read into the company, have product knowledge and ask questions about what you will do on your role to show real interest. Part of my application was a telephone interview, I found dressing smart for the phone interview put me in the right mind-set.