Apprentice Aerospace Software Engineer Review

The work I do can vary quite a bit. I get to work on different projects that require different skill sets meaning that I am developing a broad range of knowledge for working on different platforms.

When starting at BAE Systems I had a basic knowledge of programming and software development but over the 6 months I have been here I have learnt to program to a much higher level in a number of different languages. The work I do when I'm in the office helps me massively with my university work as I am learning the things I need to know at work before I learn them in lectures giving me an advantage.

I really enjoy the programme I am on. From day one I was made to feel very welcome by the engineers I work with but also with the apprentices. I have fairly varied work all the time which means I'm never getting bored of doing the same thing.

As an apprentice within BAE Systems you are not just someone who is used to do the simple jobs and carry out tasks like making drinks for the people you work with, instead you are brought into the team and placed on current projects so that from the start you have got an idea of the sort of work you do. This sort of work means that you get to work on something that is actually going to be used and with this in mind you are given all the support you can get to ensure you learn how to do the job well

The program is structured so that everybody is in their job placement for 6 months before they are rotated out to another placement to get a taste of all the different jobs.

At university we have a lot of support on offer if it is needed, not that it is needed very often due to the support and level of training we get on the job.

The support from team leaders and engineers within the time is great, they are always happy to help and answer questions if we get stuck on anything. Any issues that are not related to the actual work but for other issues are quickly sorted by apprentice management or by HR.

The salary we are paid is amazing and is higher then every other apprenticeship scheme I know of.

There are a number of voluntary activities that go on throughout the year to raise money for local charities of the business. They also send all apprentices on a week away team building in the lake district which is an unbelievable experience.

Yes

BAE Systems is overall just a great company to work for, the people you work are friendly, you get lots of support and training, the salary is good and there are so many opportunities and incentives.

One of the most important things that I found was making sure you be yourself when you go for the interview as personality seemed to play a big part within the interviews.