Business Operations Higher Apprentice Review

My role can be very varied and I rotate around the company every 3 months. These rotations involve 3 departments in Operations ( Customer Service, Business Processing and Customer Accounting), then 3 in Risk (Credit, Asset Management and Collections) However, in my current position at 9 o clock I have a team meeting everyday where all the work and training is delegated and everyone is made aware of the meetings the team has.

I have developed many skills here at Siemens. The skills you will learn here are highly valuable and I would argue you are unlikely to learn at University. To list a few skills I have developed or learned: such as, time-management, attention to detail, customer service, problem solving, communication and negotiation.

I enjoy my programe to a reasonable extent. This is not to say someone would rate this 10 out of 10 however on the basis of what I am doing on a day to day basis I only find it a 6/10. However, because of the opportunities I have to pursue what I want to do in the future I do enjoy what I do and being here.

The apprenticeship scheme is very well structured. It is based over two years and 6 departments - which is not to say you would be unable to pursue other areas of interest because this is something Siemens encourage. In my first year I am rotating around 3 of the Operations departments then in my second year I will be experiencing the 3 risk functions.

I receive a lot of support from my manager, she arranged regular catch ups with the apprentices individually and as a group to ensure we are all happy and to address and concerns (if necessary). Equally, in all of the departments I have and will rotate in the managers of these arears have arranged one to ones to ensure we are getting all the support we need. Whether it's well-being or improving within my role I have support on hand when ever I need it.

Not a lot. Recently with some of the important units we are not receiving any helpful support from the college. However, our representative from the college is very supportive and keeps us on track to ensure we finish the course in a good time. The representative comes in to our workplace monthly to check up on us, the work we are doing and if there any concerns. She is always checking we are on track with the course.

Currently after doing my course (Level 3 Business Administration) I am not finding this is helping me to perform better in any way in my role. However after speaking with a fellow apprentice who has being doing the course for 6 months longer than me, she has found that the course gives her a good appreciation of the business's legislation and authorities surrounding Siemens.

Yes, there are lots of opportunities we have such at Siemens. Firstly, I am part of a 5 a side football team where we train and play in a local league weekly after work. Additionally we have a group called NextGen - which is made up of employees within their first 5 years of their career. Additionally, there are often regular team socials and summer/winter parties.

Yes

Siemens is a brilliant company with countless opportunities. The business is always encouraging you to gain experience in other areas and pursue your career goals. The one thing Siemens care about most is their people, which shows as all are very knowledgeable and supportive, and I truly believe what you put into the job you are able to get out of it.

Be aware of what you're applying for and whether this is for you, I think it is really important you are sure that you want to do an Apprenticeship and that this one specifically is for you. Be knowledgeable of the culture and the company - if you make it to the interview stage the more you know the more likely you are to stand out. Sell yourself - the one thing Siemens care the most about is the quality of their employees.