Higher Business Apprentice Review

My daily tasks vary depending on which rotation I am in but are supply chain focused, usually there will be standard operating meetings as well as standard work, 20% Off the Job, and our enrichment team objectives. For example in Sourcing my day could consist of running order books, processing return to vendor parts and order book calls.

I learn a lot through my rotations by being given additional responsibilities, projects and my daily tasks. We have a big focus on CMI skills so set goals in rotation to develop these, such as; leadership, communication, diversity & inclusion, delegation and project management. This has helped me learn new skills and develop existing skills.

I think the rotations are good as it gives you experience around supply chain which is a unique perspective to have and also builds your network up. We also get opportunities through the University to learn with other organisations such as West Midland Fire Service. We also benefit from enrichment groups such as: residential, social and professional engagement and school events to name a few. It would be good to have a bigger focus on diversity in the programme as currently only male to female ratio is measured and I am unaware of actions around this

The structure has improved the last few months with open and honest communication and as a result organisation has also improved in regards to rotation structure and how enrichment/university fits in with this. Leadership is open to feedback regarding structure to help build a solution that works for all apprentices. However I do think regular reviews should be done on rotations to ensure they focus on development and not filling a resource gap as this is a development scheme.

Due to building up an apprentice network on site through rotations we get a lot of support from full time employees for help on university work, rotation support and mentoring. Leadership has stepped up recently to allow us to create opportunities for ourselves and support this such as mental health discussion sessions and networking opportunities for apprentices.

Our University provider has a good mix of on site and sometimes virtual sessions to help with University work and offers 121 when needed as well as having access to the academic writing service at Coventry. They also run regular days where we explore topics such as; diversity, wellbeing and other topics we may need to focus on which brings the whole scheme together.

I think my degree really helps me reflect on how I act in rotation and have acted in previous rotations and frames how I want to be as a leader, it also helps me when mentoring or having discussions with colleagues and younger apprentices. The University acts as a safe space to discuss any issues we have and how we could address them.

The Apprentices have a social and professional engagement team who organise events as well as an annual residential and there are a few groups that meet outside of work for basketball and 5 a side football. There is also an on site gym and yoga which are free of charge to staff at GE and is great for wellbeing. GE also holds an employee appreciation day and family day usually yearly with free food, rides and entertainment for the site.

Yes

GE has good apprentice salary, good networking and mentoring opportunities, fully paid degree and time out of rotation to support with Uni studies. It also offers opportunities to get involved with affinity groups such as: womens network, pride network, veterans network and african affinity forum network to encourage embracing diversity.

To be prepared for the assessment centre which usually consists of a presentation, interview and group task. Ensure you research GE Cheltenham and the apprenticeship job description to be ready for any questions regarding this and show your interest. Also make sure to practice interview questions using the STAR technique and look at situations you have been in and shown your best skills