Business Apprentice Review

my job role is in F-35 Sustainment, this consisted mostly of covering invoices and making sure they get paid. I also had to attend senior meetings and run the I.T, plus many other activities, I am now in cutter management, in this placement I will be pushing the tools in the business to be reground to try to save the company money

since starting I have been on multiple training course such as the prendo simulation course for project management, I also have developed massively in my excel skills and knowledge. I have developed my communication skills and team working due to a week long course we went on to the lake district called outward bound

the programme is great overall, it does have its bad days, but the majority of the time it is a really enjoyable programme with lots of different stuff to get involved in. Also most teams wont just give you rubbish or boring work they will try and give you interesting work to help push and develop you.

I feel very valued in the company as already they have invested a lot of time and money in me, also whenever I do something good I will always get appreciation from my manager and team, and in both my placements they have made me feel like part of the team and not just some apprentice that is going to move on to another placement in 6 months.

the programme is very well organised, there is always a placement ready for you to enter and if there is any problems with a placement they can always find another to move you into, there is always support if needed from your manager or assessor, the only bad thing is the structure of my programme as my placement are no longer than 6 months which.

I receive a lot of support from my trainers and assessors if i want it, but sometimes they will put workshops on that we can go to and receive help on NVQ work or College work. in my opinion these could be a little more often as it is really beneficial when you are feeling behind on work.

my manager at the moment is extremely supportive and is very keen to develop me as munch as possible in short stay in cutter management. also you can find guidance on pretty much everything within the company, but the union also give guidance on most things and will support you if you have any trouble in your career.

the salary is great for people just leaving school and joining the scheme but for me i had to take a pay drop which means i have been struggling, but it does go up 2 times before the final wage, so in the next month it should go up and then again in December so it will eventually meet all my costs

there is always something going on to get involved in, once you have joined to be a stem ambassador you will be able to get involved in multiple careers fairs and school visits to discuss the importance of stem subjects, also there is a lot of charity events to get involved in as we do a lot for blesma and other charities.

Yes

because it is a great company with great benefits, they actually care about the staff and want to make sure everyone is happy, so you get flexi time, you receive sick pay and medical leave, there are also plenty of opportunities to change role or move abroad, i personally don't think any other company would give you as much benefits

i would make sure you are well prepared and organised on the interview day and try not to worry much just make sure to be yourself and let your strengths come out, the whole process can be hard and lengthy but once you get through and receive and final offer it is all worth it.