Apprentice Review

My day to day role within my department is supporting the acceptance of Saudi Hawk mk165 aircraft to the Saudi/MOD customer. This is from the quality engineering perspective. Every month or so we sit down with the Saudi Colonels and complete an aircraft handover procedure. This follows on in country.

I have learnt lots of new skills whilst in my new placement. These include improved team work across the business, communicating with confidence to VIPS and becoming proficient in toolsets.

I havent had a bad day at BAE systems and it keeps on getting better. The opportunities I have been given have been second to none. The culture allows a safe working and learning environment.

I feel really valued and respected within BAE systems because of the recognition they give me for my work. The teams I work with are all more than happy to spend extra time with me to encourage my learning.

My programs structure allows for the most exposure in the working environment. My college classes also support my progression within my placements.

My training provider does support my training to an extent but I dont feel they push me hard enough. Quite often I need to investigate how to further my career on my own without information from the training centre.

BAE offer me lots of support from providing a mentor once requested to allowing me to choose a placement within the business. They really go out of their way to support me.

My salary has been continuously increasing over my apprenticeship but I still feel it falls short if I lived on my own. Especially the first year salary. I do receive travel pay but its limited.

BAE have allowed me to complete a number of sponsored activities outside of work. This summer I am travelling to London for a charity tug of war challenge.

Yes

They offer a career beyond anything I could imagine. The support and training offered is above anything any other company have offered. Also the end salary is very competitive.

I would advise people to be enthusiastic, interested in engineering and have a basic knowledge of the activities BAE do. I would also suggest providing a project to show.