Business Management Graduate Review

by Centrica

Best Apprenticeship Employer

Rating

8.1/10

1. Please give an overview of your role and what this involves on a day-to-day basis:

I’m currently on the Business Management graduate scheme and we rotate 3 x 9 month placements. Currently my role sits within commercial and the Local Heroes boiler sales, monitoring pricing updates and commercial performance. I liaise with various stakeholders across the business including operations, finance and marketing.

9/10

2. Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?

Yes the apprenticeship has been great in understand the theory and knowledge behind a lot of business tools including business cases and governance. A lot of the projects I have been involved with have utilised the knowledge I have gained from the workshops and tasks set, which has been great.

7/10

3. To what extent do you enjoy your programme?

I like the fact that the topics covered are ones I can use within work and make certain aspects easier. It also makes me think about what projects I have been involved with and how I can work better on them by using skills and knowledge I have learnt from the apprenticeship.

7/10

4. How well organised/structured is your programme?

We have monthly workshops which I think are good as there is enough time in between to catch up with the other work, such as the knowledge books and reflective logs. We have regular one to ones with our trainer which is great as it’s an open discussion of any problems faced.

8/10

5. How much support do you receive from your employer?

My employer understands that 20% of my working week is set for the apprenticeship and therefore knows that some days I will be focusing on that. My manager has a teemed the sessions he needs to which is good as he understands what I am working on and what I’m learning.

8/10

6. How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?

A lot of support as I know Stuart is easy to contact and will always reply. Again the one to ones are really helpful to get any support needed and also to open up if I have any issues with the workload or the content of the work, so a lot of support.

8/10

7. How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?

It is good to take time out of work to complete the apprenticeship as it covers various topics which I’m currently being exposed to. For example, business cases was really helpful as I could understand the theory and the justification behind them while being exposed to them at work.

9/10

8. Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)

Yes I am currently part of the women’s network as work with the role of graduate lead. This has been great in networking with various people from across the business and given me the opportunities to get involved with various stuff including an event involving women in energy. I’m also involved in a podcast!

9/10

9a. Would you recommend Centrica to a friend?

Yes

9b. Why?

Because they’re supportive and give you any opportunity that you push for. It’s a great working environment and for them to allow you to take on extra qualifications such as this apprenticeship is great for career development. My colleagues are supportive and understand my objectives and where I want to go in the future.

10. What tips or advice would you give to others applying to Centrica?

I would say if you’re at university then definitely apply for the internship which happens in the summer before your final year. The internships give a good taster into what it is like working at Centrica and some of the exciting projects you will get involved with. There is also opportunity to join the graduate scheme after this.