Engineering Degree Aerospace Apprentice Review

I'm an Engineering Degree Aerospace apprentice with BAE Systems based in Lancashire. The scheme is made up of six 5 month placements covering the various disciplines within out Military Air and Information business. Example placements include Flight Test, Training Services, Product Support, Manufacturing Engineering and Weapons Integration. This means that apprentices are involved in a wide range of day to day work and interface with many project teams within BAE, our suppliers and our customers.

In the first six months, degree Aerospace apprentices will complete a NVQ Level 2 qualification in aircraft maintenance. This practical based learning is a great top up for those who have previously studied A-levels which typically lack practical experience. Other development opportunities include an Engineering Lean Learning course, STEM ambassador training, CAD training course and Outward Bound leadership programme. Over the five years apprentices will also gain an NVQ Level 4 practical qualification and a BEng in Aerospace Engineering.

Work at BAE is tough, but can be very rewarding. Apprentices are exposed to many stages of the Engineering Lifecycle in order to gain enough experience for an NVQ Level 4 Qualification. As a result, not all placements will suit every apprentice but this is a natural part of gaining exposure to such a varied organisation and helps apprentices to make an informed decision about where they may want to work in the future. Due to a generational skills gap within UK Aerospace engineering, the business often prioritises those on early careers programmes and offer lots of extra curricular opportunities. This also represents a shift in company culture as the need to rapidly innovate and remain adaptable takes precedent over pure efficiency.

Internal recognition is strong within the company, this includes; a chairmans award programme for categories such as business innovation, apprenticeship awards recognising performance within the scheme, above & beyond awards for outstanding contribution to programmes. At a scheme level, the early careers team often acts on suggestions and is keen to incorporate and recommended change. The company leadership team is very keen to work with those on early careers including a 'millennial' council programme which brings together directors across the business and apprentices to run mentored projects.

Being the first every intake into BAE Systems degree apprenticeship, I had anticipated the organisation may have been lacking however this is not the case. Induction and support from the business has been flawless, placements have been planned two years in advance and the business has a strong mentoring culture.

There are still teething issues from the training provider in terms of quality of delivery and support outside of lecture times. Many feel that the quality of the degree element is not currently comparable to a full time university course. This may be due to the degree being delivered by an affiliated college rather than directly from a university. I think it is fair to say that the best lecturers are more likely to be recruited by a university than by a college.

Support from the business has been flawless. There is a progress review every 12 weeks within the business with placement managers, regular placement discussions with early career ambassadors, around the clock support from the NVQ assessor as well as many wider business initiatives. All employees have access to the BAE Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) which is an anonymous 24/7 service to discuss any issues outside of work.

A degree apprenticeship with BAE systems is ondoubtedly one of the highest paying apprenticeships in the country, >20k. For those living at home, the scheme represents a sizeable income with many able to save for their future. However for those moving across the country like myself, this can be very challenging. There is no allocation to help with relocation. Rent for student accommodation in the Preston area is typically ranges between £400-£500pcm including bills. The scheme does require access to three locations; Warton, Samlesbury and Blackpool and the business doesn't offer any additional support meaning apprentices will either have to drive, work together to form a car share of rely on public transport.

BAE Systems doesn't offer many company events, there is no formal christmas function or team building days for example. There are a number of social clubs, however most are for expensive hobbies such as a flying club. There is a sports club/gym however the standard of these facilities falls short of others in the local area. If apprentices choose to base themselves in nearby Preston, then the city has good nightlife and is currently undergoing redevelopment.

Yes

Earn whilst learning, exposure to a working business, chance to directly apply what you learn at University and free degree.

The interview is competency based. As a result I recommend using scenarios as the basis for your response and any work experience within an engineering company you can get will be crucial here. You can also use experiences from weekend/full time work to demonstrate problem solving, team working and leadership. The year before applying to BAE Systems, I completed an NVQ Level 3 in Aerospace Eng (after my A-Levels) which helped to demonstrate practical competency. At the same time I was working full-time as a Shift Manager at Starbucks and between the two was able to answer all competency questions very comfortably. The assessment day also includes a presentation so and development at this skill would be valuable.