Frequently Asked Questions?
When you're part of an organisation that stretches round the globe, there's a lot of whats wheres and whys. Here's just a small selection of the things people ask us about the Finance & Commercial Academy.
How do I apply?
If you've had a good look on the site before and have an understanding about the Finance & Commercial Academy, click on 'apply' on the right hand side of each page.
If you are visiting the site for the first time, we recommend you read through each of the pages before making an application, particularly about the academy and entry requirements sections to ensure you fit our criteria before making an application.
Can I make a paper-based application?
Online applications are preferred if you can access the internet, so please apply via or online application form if possible. If you are unable to access the internet or cannot complete our online application form for any legitimate reason, please contact the recruitment hotline on 01276 690204 so alternative arrangements can be made.
What is the closing date for applications?
The closing date for a September 2012 start is 22nd January 2012. We review applications on a first-come first served basis so we encourage you to apply as soon as possible.
How many apprentices/trainees do you recruit each year?
Our numbers vary based on business requirements. For the recruiting year 2011/12, we estimate we will have about 8 vacancies across our offices in Frimley, Lincoln, Manchester, Newcastle and Poole.
What are your minimum requirements?
Please refer to the entry requirements section to view details of the minimum requirements for the specific vacancies.
What qualities do you look for?
To give you a flavour of the kinds of things we look for, here are some examples of common competencies that are used across the businesses.
- problem solving skills
- the ability and desire to learn fast
- team spirit
- customer focus
- drive and motivation
- a keen interest in Finance
For more information about our selection process, please refer to the Selection Process page.
Do I need a work permit to apply?
Please note that one of the minimum requirements for the majority of our vacancies is the unrestricted right to live and work in the UK. We are unable to sponsor any work permit applications on your behalf.
What is your selection process?
Please go to the Selection Process page within the site to find out further information.
When am I likely to start?
The Finance & Commercial Academy starts during September.
Do you provide assistance to find local accomodation?
If it is necessary for you to relocate to a Siemens location initially, we will provide you with financial assistance to do this.
What induction process can I expect?
You’ll be invited to attend the Finance & Commercial Academy induction, which is run once a year for all trainees at the beginning of the programme.
What training and development do you offer?
One of our priorities is training and development. In addition to your professional qualification it’s about the continual development of the individual, making sure you have the right skills to continue innovating and pushing the boundaries in your role. Whilst you are on the scheme you will receive additional training in areas such as communication skills and financial awareness.
What are the typical starting salaries?
Salaries are regularly reviewed and benchmarked against the sector we operate in to ensure the salary we offer Finance & Commercial Academy trainees are competitive both internally and externally.
What benefits do Siemens offer?
We don’t offer a ‘one size fits all package’, depending on your role you will get a selection of benefits which can be explored further in 'What's in it for you?'
Where will I be based?
Siemens has offices and manufacturing locations all over the UK, with major sites from Aberdeen to Poole. Our vacancies for the Finance & Commercial Academy trainees are in our key regions Lincoln, Manchester, Newcastle, Poole and in our head office in Frimley, Surrey.
Do you have offices in London?
Siemens does not have a major presence in central London, although it has many offices located in greater London and the south east of England.
How is my performance reviewed?
To try and maintain our competitive edge it’s essential we foster the talents, as well as encourage and realise the potential, of every individual within Siemens. On a day-to-day basis we promote informal discussion and feedback throughout the company. It’s worth asking about this in the selection process.
What is the culture at Siemens?
Siemens is indeed one of the largest and most successful electrical engineering and electronics organisations in the world, with 12,500 employees in the UK alone. Nevertheless, we place great emphasis on the contribution of individuals like you and go out of our way to provide our people with every opportunity to develop and progress in their own personal way.
Ultimately we try to foster a culture in which employees feel they know what’s going on in the business, and how they contribute to the company’s growth. To become a good place to work, and to create a universal culture across such a diverse and entrepreneurial company requires a wide range of initiatives. Across Siemens in the UK we have a range of internal communications such as new employee inductions and in-house newspapers which the company uses to share information to ensure that employees are valued and their contribution recognised.
We also have a range of employee-focused initiatives such as performance reviews and development based on dialogue, constructive feedback and shared responsibility that bring to life the company values and highlight the role played by each individual.
To what extent can I expect to work/travel overseas?
Siemens is a German organisation that operates in over 190 countries worldwide. See our global website for further information: www.siemens.com
There’s a strong international flavour to our organisations and most apprentices/trainees will do some travelling. This tends to happen once you’ve been in the business for some time, as you need to have built up a set of transferable skills.
I am interested in working for Siemens outside the UK. How do I apply?
If you are interested in an international role with Siemens please visit: www.siemens.com/careers
Contact Us
Tel: (+44) 01276 690204
