Ben Wilkins recently completed his Level 3 Advanced Certificate in Procurement and Supply Assistant Apprenticeship with Martin Baker Aircraft through Oxford Professional Education. Read on as Ben shares insights into his apprenticeship and how it has positively impacted his career at Martin Baker Aircraft.
What was your background before starting your apprenticeship?
Prior to starting the CIPS Level 3 Apprenticeship I was employed by GLL, working as an indoor lifeguard at Highgrove Pool and Fitness Centre.
Why did you decide to sign up to the apprenticeship?
The prospects of working for a highly regarded company, as well as attaining an education and qualification strongly influenced my decision to sign up to the apprenticeship. The nature of the company and product were also of great influence. Martin-Baker’s product is a highly complex feat of engineering, with its’ purpose being to save lives.
How did you find studying an apprenticeship?
The CIPS Level 3 Apprenticeship process as a whole was extremely rewarding, albeit challenging. My dedication to learning, as well as the guidance and support provided by both CIPS and Martin-Baker guided me smoothly through the process. Throughout the course of the last couple of years I have learnt a range of theory and processes that are invaluable in the workplace.
How does the apprenticeship support your daily work?
The CIPS Level 3 Apprenticeship and my daily work compliment each other well. I consider elements of my apprenticeship and CIPS training when decision making in my workplace activities.
Tell us about the company and what your job role involves?
Martin Baker Aircraft are a manufacturer of Ejection Seats for Military Aircraft and Crashworthy seats for helicopters. Their head office is located in Denham, Buckinghamshire, which is also my place of work. My job role involves managing both in-house manufacturing and outsourced work through subcontractors (suppliers). The purchasing department handles ordering then expediting parts for our product and maintaining strong customer service relationships with suppliers.
How does Oxford Professional Education support you in your apprenticeship?
The Oxford Professional Education Group have supported me my Apprenticeship by assigning me my tutor, Terri Hudson, without her efforts and tutelage, as well the the efforts made by the rest of the team at Oxford Professional Education, I would have not been able to achieve the desired outcome of the CIPS Level 3 Apprenticeship.
Other support provided to me were the the necessary study guides (both physical and digital copies). Additionally, providing positive feedback and proposed improvements on all work submitted.
Would you recommend this apprenticeship to others?
I would strongly recommend the CIPS Level 3 Apprenticeship to others. I believe attaining it to be of great benefit. Currently, in Denham, I am the only apprentice in the Sourcing Department (there is a large mix of apprentices on site, across a range of departments, such as manufacturing, mechanical engineering, environmental testing, and configuration management)
I thoroughly enjoy talking to family, friends, peers and colleagues about my apprenticeship and work. During these discussions and my practical work, I have been described as ambitious and passionate. I have a large amount of pride towards my position and am keen to make a positive impact to those around me.
What advice would you give to someone thinking of starting an apprenticeship?
Advise I would give someone starting an apprenticeship would be to read as much as possible, while also trying to absorb the information covered. Try to make connections between the content and processes at work, which will make it easier to infer the bigger picture. If ever unsure, ask for help. In terms of the exams, print multiple past papers and practice regularly – again, if ever unsure about the answer or confused about the wording, don’t be afraid to ask for advise.
Oxford Professional Education offer a range of marketing, project management, and procurement apprenticeships. If you are interested in completing an apprenticeship or would like to hire an apprentice for your company, get in touch with our team to find out more.