Business Degree Apprentice Review

I am currently in a 12 month rotation which will take me to the end of my apprenticeship. My role consists of coordinating the sites Sales & Operations Planning process which we run on a monthly cycle. I interact with all sides of the business to ensure S&OP is a strategic view of the business, where we solve potential future roadblocks proactively to ensure smooth business running

I am now fluent in excel skills including power query and regular formulas. My confidence and presenting skills are used every day as i present to site senior leadership. My role also consists of interaction with multiple stakeholders and providing a supply-based on their queries. I am responsible for ensuring data is relayed in a timely manner failure to do so could jeaprodise an entire cycle which poses a risk to business.

I really enjoy my program as it offers me the exposure to build my network within GE, an opportunity which could prove invaluable in the future. As i look to progress my career in the long-term I am relishing the opportunity to look at such a strategic project so early on in my career. My uni days are also well managed and valuable, i can balance work & life well which allows me to feel safe at work.

My programme is well structured with set milestones and delivery expectations set at the start of the scheme and by placement managers throughout the scheme. The culture amongst SCBDA's is strong and allows for healthy competitiveness amongst apprentices which provides a lot of excitement around the people within the scheme. Apprentices feel empowered to question the norm and improve the scheme continuously.

My employer ensures that my work/life balance is healthy and consistent. support for apprentices has a lot of breadth and apprentices are encouraged to seek support/mentorship from senior apprentices and full-time employees. These groups are eager and willing to support apprentices and often apprentices seek mentorship in arears where they will later look for a permanent position

Coventry University structure their lectures and tasks to be onsite as much as possible allowing for flexibility within the apprentice scheme. Coventry have always offered a lot of support amongst our scheme, and our course leader is very involved in our personal development as well as our academic advancement. It is clear that apprentices benefit greatly from the support from Coventry University and the team is well supported because of it.

i often use the learnings form my studies in my day-to-day role, I find that the skills we learn are transferable and directly impact and have an effect on our professional behavior at GE. I often use my reflections from university when presenting to the site SLT to ensure that i respect peoples time and lead the conversations in the correct direction needed for S&OP.

There are quite a few extra opportunities which GE offer to build a positive culture, these include an internal football tournament where teams compete against each other, and a cross business rugby tournament where companies in similar fields compete against each other at a local club. GE also runs an annual employee recognition day and many networks designed to improve culture, e.g. African Affinity Forum & Women's Network

Yes

GE are a great company who empower there employees to reach their potential the business is diverse and onsite so there are plenty of opportunities for people to progress. GE value leadership and look to provide leadership experience where appropriate, our degree encourages us to lead in different areas including enrichment teams.

GE value personality highly amongst professional characteristics. GE make a conscious effort to be diverse and focus heavily on team building and culture within a team to promote good performance. The BDA scheme encourages people to grow as people and often apprentices can apply their trade to many crafts within the business, therefore, external activities such as sports teams, DofE and other passions are highly valued.