Business forecasting and planning specialist Review

I am a business forecasting and planning specialist, I have set daily tasks as well as Ad-hoc tasks which come in to me. Due to the nature of my role I have a high level of exposure and knowledge of the business. I have worked on high priority tasks many of which that go directly to the managing director. My proudest achievement thus far is the creation of an Excel sheet that is being put forward to be used by every managing director within the PCD group.

I have completed several training courses. However I feel like the most valuable skill I have picked up this year is Excel which I have learnt primarily on the job.

It is very interesting to be working in such a big company during this time of change as well as it also being a phenomenal opportunity to be gaining work experience whilst studying for a degree as it will no doubt give us a huge boost in the future.

My boss and team have invested a fair amount of time in me training me up for my role. They have been very patient and continue to be and understand that I am a first year apprentice and their are still holes in my knowledge. I feel as though I am a valued member of the team and this is shown my some

Overall I feel the programme is a good one, however I do feel like there is a lack of appreciation of the side of the university that we also have a full time job and sometimes the work load and expectation can get a bit much. Also due to changes within the company we are still in the dark over our role rotation and I feel like as a result we wont have sufficient time to make our decision on next year. This could in turn negatively affect our performance if we get a role we are unsuited to.

An adequate amount of support is received.

I feel as though the support received by employers is much better than at University. However, this maybe due to my individual role as it mainly comes from within my team as opposed to the designated HR team.

My salary is stretched with travel into work. I am currently getting the train into work and this is costing me over around 25% of my monthly wage and this does not include travel to and from work. I could decide to drive however with car payments and insurance alongside fuel it would likely be even higher. The salary is good however and I don't think we can complain as we are getting a sponsored degree. None the less their are people on our university course with other companies whom are on signicantly more

Yes the company encourage CSR days. Also I have personally taken on the running of a football game which is open to all within Vauxhall, the game is a brilliant way to get to know colleagues socially and to get in some exercise which is hard when not getting home till later on in the evening.

Yes

It is a brilliant opportunity to gain work experience alongside studying for a degree and it is currently a very interesting time for the company as we are going through a lot of internal changes.

Brush up on the knowledge of the company and be passionate about the idea of an apprenticeship and the brilliant opportunity it can provide. My biggest piece of advise would be to familiarize yourself with Excel as I can not stress enough how integral it is in the workplace.