Business Apprentice Review

As a Business Apprentice at MBDA my weekly breakdown is 3 and a half days at work and 1 and a half days at university. Whilst at work I complete 6-9 month placements in various departments across the business including sales, commercial and procurement. In these placements we complete real work that impacts the overall business, such as reviewing contracts and placing orders. On the other hand, when we attend the University of Hertfordshire studying Business Studies, we are treated like full time students. We complete our degree programme over 4 years, meaning we do one less module per semester.

The main skills I have developed are team working, leadership and then have attended various business related courses. Since starting the apprenticeship scheme my confidence has grown significantly which has enabled me to improve my team working and leadership skills. A courses that all apprentices attend helped me with this as I had to present a presentation to a large room full of people. Other skills include learning to use the procurement tool, what to identify in Terms and Conditions and the correct way to interact with customers.

I truly enjoy my apprenticeship scheme, however there are times where I become exhausted. The only issue with this type of apprenticeship scheme is the lack of work life balance whilst you're busy at university. To complete your university work it must be done outside of working hours, meaning after work or at weekends. This can mean no "free time." However, the positives definitely outweigh the negatives. The MBDA company culture is very accepting of the apprenticeship network, encouraging our development always.

In short, yes! Many people believe that apprentices are there to make the tea and do the paperwork. However, at MBDA we complete real work and are an important part of the department that we are working within. There are awards that celebrate the apprentices both internally and externally which we are encouraged to get involved in.

Our programme is very well organised in regards to placement movements, training and STEM related events.

The University of Hertfordshire as a whole is a supportive training provider, however cant treat us different to the other students. As e are only at the university for a day and a half, it is difficult for us to work with full time university students in group work as we are never at the university. Some tutors and module leaders support us with this, however some do not sympathise which puts us in a uncomfortable position.

MBDA support their apprentices in every way they can. With every placement you are allocated a different manager, of which can vary in their level of support. All apprentices are also offered mentors to assist with career progression and guidance. Overall, most people are happy to help, but with everything there are the anomalies.

Three years into my apprenticeship scheme, my salary significantly supports my living, travel and spending costs. At 19 I was accepted for my first mortgage, so therefore my apprentice salary covers my mortgage, house bills and running my car. As well as this I am also able to have a social life and have a holiday a year.

The HR and Learning and Development Team support many STEM events outside of work, such as talks at schools and with other companies in the local area. We also help at airshows, defence shows and volunteer at charities with the company. MBDA has many corporate events throughout the year where apprentices are often asked to assist.

Yes

I would recommend MBDA to a friend as I feel it has given a considerable confidence boost, not only in my work life but also my personal life. I am gaining work experience as well as a degree qualification making me a more rounded employee and future job candidate.

I would advise someone looking to apply for the MBDA apprenticeship (or a similar scheme)to have worked at least a part time job before. I say this as it is a real culture shock going from full time education to full time work and doing a degree at the same time. You have to be willing to sacrifice your free time and an poor work life balance for the four years you're on the scheme if you wish to do well.