Machining Apprentice Review

My role is craft based as a machinist at BAE Systems. I am learning to run lathes and milling machines both conventional and CNC. I produce products for my NVQ work and also make production items.

While being in my apprenticeship I have completed a Level 3 BTEC in Aeronautical Engineering and am currently working on a HNC. I have learnt how to run and produce components on lathes and milling machines.

The programme for machining is structured to give you a whole view of the manufactoring, which is great to get an understanding of machining. Being hands on has to be the best part of the job, getting stuck in.

BAE Systems is very good at looking after it's employees as a whole, but there are recognition schemes running to reward worthy persons. You are always involved in relevant training and meetings and never get left out.

The first year of my apprenticeship waqs based across in Preston where I learnt basic skills before coming back to my home site Brough. The last two years are a mixture between conventional machines and CNC machines, while completing my NVQ.

In terms of work site training everyone on the shop floor is willing to help me if I get stuck, plus all trainers and assessors are on the shop floor too. In terms of college a day per week is allocated for college where the staff are very helpful and knowledgable about their subject.

My employer looks after me very well, time to complete NVQ work is allowed at regular times and if I need anything from clothing to additional tools they will be ordered in for me.

The pay as an apprentice is pretty good compared to some other companies and I am able to run two cars and do 60+ miles a day, so the pay in general is very good and only goes up throughout the apprenticeship.

At Brough we have extra outside of work opportunities, I for example am an educational ambassador and go to schools and events to talk about the apprenticeship I am in now. Charity events are also held throughout the year to raise moeny for selected causes.

Yes

The company as a whole is very good and supportive to you, the training qualtity is great and everone has vast amounts of knowlegde to pass on to the new generation. The shares Scheme is a great way to save moeny and invest in the company. Occupational health care is provided to look after the welfare and well being of all employees.

The biggest tips I think are do plenty of research around what BAE Systems do around the world and the biggy would be have plenty of enthusiasm for making and engineering, as this will brush of onto the inteviewers and employers.