Aerospace Software Engineering Apprentice Review

Half of the week is spent working in a placement team which is rotated on a 6-month basis. I have 1 day per week on day release to university and 1 day per week to work on assignments and portfolio.

I have learned how to work in a Software team and developed many relevant soft skills. The combination of on-the-job and off-the-job learning has also provided me with good technical knowledge.

Working within the placement teams at BAES is very rewarding and exciting. The work done on-site also helps compliment the learning done in the classroom and makes achieving the degree much easier. There is also a large amount of freedom regarding external projects and opportunities.

BAES and B&FC (training provider) have a good amount of communication and respond to feedback given by us effectively. The support systems for apprentices at BAES are also vast and very helpful when required. The company provides ample opportunity to explore different aspects of the company during the programme.

The Early Careers team have frequent communication with all apprentices and there are dedicated teams for different schemes which allows for more frequent and clearer contact. The working schedule implemented allows us to complete the degree alongside the job obligations with minimal stress which improves productivity.

The college provide many different methods to receive support and for students to give feedback and respond well to recommendations made by students. They also have regular communication with my employer which helps for changes to be made when they are needed. The facilities and staffing the college have allow for a more direct teaching approach which helps learning.

The degree I am pursuing will give me the relevant technical knowledge that I will need to perform my role. It will also help me understand the different processes involved in Software Engineering other than just coding and will teach me the skills I need to become an effective Software Engineer.

There are many opportunities that BAES support for apprentices to take part in providing that there is a relevant business case to be made. My employer actively encourages apprentices to take part in other projects that are supported by the business in order to network and gain other experiences. Extra-curricular activities outside of working hours such as sports teams are either less common or less pronounced.

Yes

The apprenticeship programme they offer is very lucrative and one of the best on offer in the UK. The technical and professional knowledge gained during the apprenticeship is invaluable and helps apprentices be the best they can be at their role.

If you would like to be a BAES apprentice, ensure that your passions and ambitions align with the company as it is important to be enthusiastic and have the appropriate qualities to get the most out of the programme. This apprenticeship programme will allow apprentices to be pushed as far as they will push themselves.