Apprentice Review

Currently a first year apprentice, day to day roles include completing a further education day every monday to complete a BTEC level three, as well as working on PEO 3 days a week within the workshop environment.

I have learnt many new skills such as working on the machining section as well as various hand fitting skills such as filing and riveting, and also skills working on the electrical section and electrical looming.

I enjoy working and learning new skills at the same time in a practical hands-on workshop environment. I also enjoy the mix of workshop and classroom learning as you're always doing something different.

I feel like the company is putting a lot of investment into us and our programme and I feel we are valued as they want us to progress well as so we can support and provide our input into the company as employees in the future.

There is a clear learning plan set out as so each apprentice knows what section they are doing and when, and it is organised as so every apprentice gets to work on every section. However there have been problems with the plan changing occasionally due to disruption.

Our further education is brought to us by external tutors and they provide plenty of tuition and support when it comes to completing assignments. However some subjects I do feel could be taught better.

Our employer gives us plenty of support and we get reviews every few months to monitor our progress within the company and you feel that they really care about your progress.

In my case I live alone and I find that the salary just barely covers the cost of living alone (with rent, tax etc) and during the first year it has been a struggle at times. However this may not be the case for everybody.

Yes there are plenty of clubs and meetings that employees could attend, however I don't feel they are made known to us very well and I feel we are missing some opportunities.

Yes

There are many career opportunities with BAE systems and the company has a very good reputation and is a very good one to work for. I have enjoyed the apprenticeship and I feel others should take these opportunities.

A project is needed for your interview, I'd reccomend working hard on this project and a good way of explaining and presenting it as it's a big part of the interview. Also an appreciation or anjoyment of engineering in general would be an advantage, however not vital.