Apprentice Engineer Review

My role as a higher apprentice is currently to attend college to gain a broad spectrum of engineering knowledge. This includes the essential skills for the placements I will be starting in the second year of the scheme. My day to day tasks include attending of lectures and lessons and completing assignments.

I have learnt a large amount of new engineering skills, these include CAD drawing and the principles behind engineering systems. I have been able to improve my practical and machining skills, as well as taking forward the maths knowledge gained at A level and adding to this in greater detail.

I enjoy the programme in every way, both my colleagues whom I work with and the programme which I undertake. I enjoy learning the the important skills and knowledge necessary to become an engineeer as well as the built in enrichment such as site visits and additional courses.

I feel valued by BAE systems, as there is large amounts of funding and time put into the work I do. The salary shows that as an employee I am valued and that the company wishes to invest in me, the consistent monitoring from line managers ensures that the course is going well and that problems are addressed allowing me to have a smooth journey into working life.

The organisation and structure of my apprenticeship is excellent. The course began with introductions into the company and the ability to meet with senior members of the company and understand how things work. The college course has 2 years compressed into one, this makes the course intensive but is still well structured and laid out to allow work to be completed on time. The next years of my placement will be placements which work on a 4 month rotation with day release to college which I believe will be a strong structure which allows learning in both classroom and workplace environments.

The support from the training provider is good however sometimes there isn't enough, the staff at the college where I undergo my training have great amounts of knowledge, however punctuality is not as would be expected. Lateness and poor preparation results in some lessons taking long to begin and information not being easily transmitted.

The support form the employer is excellent, when extra aid is required my line manager is always able to supply, such as additional training and resources. Employee reviews happen quarterly and allow me to stay in touch with the business whilst also gaining help from my employer if needed.

My salary meets my costs well, I am able to afford to live comfortably, and have enough to travel where I need and buy things I would like. The company also allows, me to think about my future with both pension and share schemes allowing me to save for my future.

Outside of work there are few opportunities which tie directly to the company however the college where my training is provided lays on extra curricular activities. Our manager also sends information about events on to both within work and relevant presentations within the community.

Yes

I would recommend BAE Systems due to the great company reputation, good pay and huge amount of opportunities which will are available, both now with my qualifications and in the future with the job roles I will be able to undertake.

When applying a strong drive must be shown, the ability to work in a team is necessary. The ability to learn is necessary as new things are taught every day and in different ways, perspective employees should be able to adapt to all situations.