Business Apprentice Review

I am currently approaching the last year of my apprenticeship (apprenticeship ends September 2015). I am still completing placements within the BMW Group UK, therefore I will update as I progress through my apprenticeship. Responsibilities during my apprenticeship: HR International - Supporting with the International Assignments procedures Payroll & Benefits - Administrating all employee company car scheme queries - Maintaining access to the employee company car scheme - Supporting payroll team Recruitment - Organised Assessment centres - Supporting Apprentice & Graduate Assessment centres - Processing of candidate applications - Organising interviews - CV Sifting - Providing feedback to unsuccessful candidates - Set up new 'Refer a Friend' recruitment policy - Communicated with recruitment agencies to fill vacancies HR Services - Car Scheme queries - Setting up access for employees to the car scheme - Driving licence checks - Car Fines processing - Constructed HR information booklet - Change of department name project HR Management - conducting interviews - Supporting in disiplinary process - Supporting department manager in team management activities (absences/promotions/change of hours) - Raising new starter contracts

I am currently in my last year of my BA Hons in Business Management and Communication, In addition to this I will gain a NVQ in Business administration Apprenticeship

Throughout my apprenticeship I have the opportunity to work in different HR departments, so far I have worked in HR International whereby I worked on a project to present new methods of communication to communicate with our Expatriates. In my second placement in Payroll & Benefits I was given responsibility for most Company Car Scheme procedures and enquires. I am really enjoying my journey so far as a BMW apprentice and I’m looking forward to my future with the company.

I feel very valued by the organisation as I am treated as if I am one of the team and they trust me to work on projects and confidential tasks.

Th structure of the programme is very flexible, you don't have much training, more on the job training everytime you begin a new area. You have a level of choice as to what particular department you wish to specialise in and flexiblity on placement duration. You also get a monthly meeting with your your designated mentor where you can feedback any issues.

Good support from training manager however you are left to work independently and when you have a issue you have to raise this on your own.

The Manager for each area has an informal introduction into the area and provide you with the aims and objectives for your up coming placement. Sometimes you don't always get good guidance on task so you have to use your own initiative to ask, once you ask pretty much everyone is happy to help.

BMW group apprentices are paid very well considering we are also sponsored to do a full time degree. The pay increases every 6 months so this motivates you to achieve results. In terms of living costs, due to the plant being based in oxford, the costs would be pretty difficult to live on for the first few years, however if you are living with parents then this is more then enough.

There are various apprentice events. The first week of starting the apprenticeship is the most memorable as you spend a week at an activity centre to help you get to know all the apprenticeships and build on team work

Yes

I recommend an apprenticeship to anyone that is looking to accelerate in education and work, as it allow you to get the experience at the same time as studying, usually also providing a permanent job at the end of the scheme. In addition to this you are also earning as well as studying expenses paid for, so financially it was huge benefits.

ensure that you stand out from all the candidates and make sure before the interview you know some facts about MINI.