Engineering Apprentice Review

My daily role as a mechanical/electrical apprentice for this first year is expanding my skills and knowledge, performing my PEOs and BTEC from Monday - Thursday, and expanding my practical skills on Fridays (in the electrical field).

I have both learnt new skills (turning, milling, hand fitting techniques, cable running and dressing, gland fitting etc) and developed my existing skills, such as presentation skills, study skills, assignment writing.

I am enjoying my programme a lot so far. There have been some hiccups with moving to our new training centre, but aside from that it has been enjoyable, and I like learning new skills.

Personally I feel very valued so far at BAE Systems, I feel that the management takes note of people who can achieve more and help to push them in the right direction. BAE Systems are very 'generous' with their apprentices and invest a lot in them.

There have been some issues with organisation, with tools and material arriving late, leaving me behind in a couple of areas. I will be able to catch up but the overall organisation could be better.

I receive as much support from the training provider as I require (which in my case isn't a lot, but others need more support and they have definitely received any help they need, to my knowledge).

I receive enough support from my employer; we haven't done that much with the BAE instructors, but management have definitely helped me with any issues I have gone to them with, wherever they could.

My salary is very respectable, particularly for a first year apprenticeship. My costs aren't that great as I still live at home so the salary meets my costs very well.

There have been some opportunities outside of work, such as Outward Bounds, the opportunity to compete in Field Gun if we wished, chances to go and present at careers fairs or at schools.

Yes

BAE systems is one of the biggest companies in the field, and they invest a lot in the future of their company, so I think they are a good company to work for.

Ensure they do their research about the company, and make sure that their passion for the field and their pride in the quality of their work shows through in the application process/interviews.