Digital Technology Solutions Apprentice Review

by BAE Systems

Best Apprenticeship Employer

Rating

6.4/10

1. Please give an overview of your role and what this involves on a day-to-day basis:

Learning about software engineering, performing SE related tasks, making progress on projects, writing code, updating project management boards, partaking in meetings and group discussions, problem solving, keeping up to date with university studies, updating KSB trackers and Off-the-job hours, shadowing experienced professionals and expanding knowledge through external resources.

10/10

2. Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?

Yes many - coding, various programming languages, object-oriented programs, data management systems, agile methodologies, various integrated development environments, problem solving, various software packages (project depending) for specific tasks, analytical thinking, communication and teamwork, multitasking, software architecture, programming best practices, statistical analysis, bitwise operations and mathematics, analysing business requirements.

10/10

3. To what extent do you enjoy your programme?

I really enjoy learning software engineering, especially on placement doing real work. However, as an experienced professional already, I have found many of the apprenticeship requirements and university aspects focussed on early careers which leaves me feeling despondent and unmotivated frequently.

5/10

4. How well organised/structured is your programme?

The university element is well structured and every session is planned well in advance. The placement work is more ad-hoc and so can vary from placement to placement. Some teams are organised, others less so.

7/10

5. How much support do you receive from your employer?

I have made many complaints due to feeling unmotivated at times as an already experienced professional, but have received little support in this sense. I find it hard to get a good dialog going with the leadership due to the amount of apprentices that they manage.

4/10

6. How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?

I have found them mostly supportive and they always respond to my emails and requests with good advice for the most part. I am trying to get some learning adjustments however so this may change if I don't feel I receive the right support.

8/10

7. How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?

I have not yet used much of my university work has been directly related to my role, as I am only first year currently. I believe this will change in the future, however.

3/10

8. Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)

As someone with anxiety problems, I tend to avoid these as much as possible. I have seen some activities and events on but only a few.

4/10

9a. Would you recommend BAE Systems to a friend?

Yes

9b. Why?

For the most part yes, it's a good company with high standards, friendly people and interesting work. However for someone of my age and coming from an alternate industry, I would caution them on feeling isolated due to stepping back in terms of responsibility and career stage.

10. What tips or advice would you give to others applying to BAE Systems?

Make use of the experience of the people you work with and keep an open mind. Don't be afraid to let experienced apprentices know that you are an apprentice and should be delegated responsibility accordingly.