Business Apprentice Review

I am a business apprentice who has just completed her 9 month rotational placement schedule. I have had three 3 month placements in Commercial, Procurement and Manufacturing and Supply Chain.

I am currently working towards my HNC in Business and my SVQ level 3 in Business Admin. At work I have taken part in many different training courses including Cost Estimating and Price Analysis, MRP Awareness, Treasury Overview and various Microsoft Academy courses. I learn new skills every day which contribute to my development as an apprentice within Leonardo.

I have really enjoyed my apprenticeship so far. My managers have been very good in that they are always encouraging me to learn and to take part in the various processes within the business.

I feel that my managers recognise the importance of apprentices and are always willing to help and provide work. I have been to meetings with VPs and they have also recognised the importance of apprentice

I feel the programme in Leonardo is very well structured and each of the departments I have been part of has ensured I have had enough work. Each of the departments have also made sure that I have understood what the products they work with. For example, they have arranged for me to meet with the Sales and Marketing department who have given me product overviews which have been very useful.

The Apprentice management team have been very helpful and are always at the other end of the phone if I have a question.

My line manager have been very supportive and have pushed me to achieve things that I never thought I was capable of. For example I chaired a Contract Acceptance Review meeting in which senior managers attended.

I have taken part in the Scottish Apprenticeship activities within Leonardo and have signed up to various other events outwith the company in order to raise awareness of the importance of apprenticeships. I am also part of Leonardo's charities committee which is good as I have created relationships with colleagues who have not been a part of the apprenticeship scheme.

Yes

I believe it is a great way to learn new skills, gain several qualifications and earn a living. I feel that the Leonardo apprenticeship programme is very special in that the majority of the company have recognised the importance of apprentices and are always willing to teach you about their jobs.

Explain why you want to be an apprentice and express why you think apprenticeships are important to a company like Leonardo. Also do some research into what Leonardo do.