Higher Apprentice Review

The current placement I am on is within the HVAC design team. In this role I am learning the processes involved in designing Heating Ventilation and Air conditioning to be fitted to Naval Ships to provide sufficient exhaust and air supply to a multitude of compartments. Currently performing exercises to familiarise myself with the systems of design, defence Standard criteria and liaising with new team members to gain this information.

This role is heavily reliant on 3D modelling skills within Inventor. Never having used inventor before there are a lot of new skills that I require to enable me to fulfil a role within this department.

The programme within BAE involves several different placements within the framework of the apprenticeship. This is my second placement and so far both have been very rewarding. They have given me insight into the expectations of working life and have also enabled me to form connections with colleagues that will live on throughout my time here at BAE.

Very, there are a lot of people in managerial and supervisory roles who first started out as apprentices. As such the value of apprentices within BAE are seen as a positive and are actively encouraged and well regarded.

BAE have a great training and practical framework set up to enable all apprentices to find THIER way and place within the BAE systems corporation. The placements are chosen by each individual from the available selection which can give a wide awareness of the function of the BAE systems company sectors and sub-divisions.

Support is offered for those that require additional support above and beyond that given within the normal delivered teaching framework. On occasion I have taken up some additional assistance and have found the tutors to be very accommodating and willingly helpful.

The support structure set up within BAE is extensive. In each placement I have a mentor who is a subject matter expert, which empowers me to find answers to placement questions immediately if required. Part of the designed framework within the apprenticeship at BAE is a 12 week review system, this facilitates the opportunity to raise any issues on a regular basis and maintains regular contact with the apprenticeship management team. I know I don't have to wait for a review to raise an issue as the apprenticeship management team are always available to assist me if required either by email or in person. On top of this BAE systems also provide online assistance where support may be found and also provide (as standard) an independent "life coaching" helpline which can be contacted 24/7 to discuss pretty much any problem whether work related or home-life related confidentially.

The salary for this level of apprenticeship is very good. This enables apprentices to get paid a decent wage and get to within 1 year of a degree in their chosen field. Attaining a level 5 qualification, BAE will and have supported higher education after this apprenticeship enabling people who have shown the ability and drive to go on and complete their degree supported by BAE. The basic salary is also coupled with other benefits including an annual bonus, share options and a good pension scheme that make the whole financial package very appealing.

There are further outbound courses that the company deliver as part of the apprenticeship (lake district outbound team building event) on top of this there are subsidised sporting memberships available to employees including a fishing club and extensive sports and gym meberships.

Yes

It's a very good complete package. In the four years you CAN be trained to HND level, have work experience within 6 different sectors of BAE systems gaining a good understanding of the business as a whole. This provides confidence to perform a role when exiting your apprenticeship and provides individuals with a vocational maturity I don't think you can get elsewhere. After the apprenticeship BAE continue to train and support their staff to the highest degree, maintaining the latest levels of H&S training empowering staff and creating a safe working environment for all. If you show your worth and mettle BAE also provide the opportunity to take the education and career development further if you wish, supporting people through Degree and post graduate courses.

First of all Apply, Apply within time too. (Obviously) Researching interview techniques and do's and don'ts would be good if you can perform practice "role-play" interviews too this would alleviate some nerves come the time. Everyone gets nervous, that's because it matters, but if you can relax and be yourself as much as possible during the assessment days I think the personalities shine through better. Show that you "want it", not that you'd just "like it". In this role you'll be working on Naval ships. Do some specific research, Naval Ships, BAE, Portsmouth Dockyard, show an interest in the infrastructure as well as an interest in Engineering.