Business Administration Apprentice
Location: Devonport, Plymouth, England
Sector/Business unit: Marine
My apprenticeship, why I chose it, and why I chose Babcock:
I chose Business Administration because I wanted to gain an understanding of how a business operates. It has given me the opportunity to work across different departments, allowing me to experience a variety of roles and responsibilities. This has helped me identify which areas I enjoy the most, as well as those that are less suited to me, guiding my future career aspirations.
One of the biggest advantages of this apprenticeship is the networking opportunities. I have met a wide range of people from different teams and backgrounds, each with their own expertise and experience. This has not only helped me build strong professional relationships but has also allowed me to learn things I might not have encountered otherwise.
By moving between placements, I have developed a broad knowledge of Devonport Dockyard and how different processes work together. I have gained insight into how each department contributes to the overall success of the business. This experience has improved my adaptability, communication skills, and confidence, making me feel more prepared for future roles within the company.
My favourite part of the programme:
Working alongside the other apprentices in my team has been one of the most enjoyable parts of the programme. Creating projects and completing tasks together builds a strong sense of teamwork and helps us learn from each other’s strengths and ideas.
I also really enjoy meeting new people every day, as it keeps the role interesting and varied. No two days are the same, and each interaction gives me the chance to develop my communication skills and confidence. Overall, the mix of teamwork and meeting new people makes the experience enjoyable and rewarding.
My most rewarding project/experience:
One of my most rewarding projects was when my apprentice team and I were asked to design and create a brand-new game for careers fairs. We were given only a few weeks to plan, build, and present our ideas to the management team, which was both exciting and challenging. We worked closely together, sharing ideas and combining our strengths to create something engaging and interactive.
When we presented it, the feedback was extremely positive, and the team was so impressed that they wanted it featured in a news story. It was an amazing feeling to see all our hard work recognised, and even more rewarding to see others enjoy something we had created.
My work-life balance:
Having time to switch off and recharge outside of work is something I really value. The generous annual leave allowance means that if I ever feel like I need a break, I have the flexibility to take time off.
In addition to this, the working hours are very manageable. Finishing work at 3pm allows me to enjoy my afternoons, relax, and focus on my personal life outside of work. I also have regular one-to-one meetings with my line manager, where we discuss how I am managing my workload and overall wellbeing. This open communication helps ensure that I do not feel overwhelmed and can maintain a healthy balance.
My development:
We are fully supported in our development throughout the apprenticeship. We are given dedicated time during our working hours to focus on college assignments, which helps us stay on track and manage our workload effectively.
In addition, we attend monthly workshops where topics are clearly explained, giving us a better understanding of our course content. We also have regular college reviews where we can raise any concerns, discuss our progress, and plan our next steps. This ongoing support ensures that we feel confident, guided, and able to succeed in both our studies and our role.
