Technical Apprentice Review

Currently in my second year of my apprenticeship - I'm currently 6-8 weeks in different placements around the site, gaining an understanding of the lifecycle of BAE products. I've just left my Test System placement - here I had been assisting in procuring, kitting and support to the manufacturing of external cables and breakout boxes. I have also been tasked with assisting work on the KC-390 for Embraer, giving me much higher responsibilities than any other job prior.

During my apprenticeship, I have been completing my Level 3 extended diploma in Electrical and Electronic Engineering - pushing my learning further than school ever did. My communication and networking skills have improve greatly since joining the company - more so in my second year where this skill is put to use every day.

The work is varied across site, allowing a multitude of skills to be put to use, as well as new skills being gained. I work within a team of 10 apprentices, but also work heavily with the teams of the placements I am put in. Everyone is friendly and helpful - always ready to answer any questions I have.

Recognition is always given when a job is completed, no matter how big or small. I am always given opportunities to try new work, really making me feel like a part of the team.

Over the 3 years, we have a very structured programme to follow. 9 Months offsite training to bring us up to a good level of knowledge, approximately a year is then spent moving around site to different placements, before a final placement is chosen for our 3rd year. During this we attend college once a week, with the opportunity to start our HNC. Support is readily available, whether this is from other apprentices, managers/supervisors, or HR.

We have regular NVQ meetings to discuss progress made, as well as steps to be taken in the future to aid our learning. We also have 12 week reviews with a supervisor, who can expand on what work we have been completing in our placements, allowing our managers to gain a second opinion of how we work/our work attitude.

Any problems we have on site are quickly addressed by our employer, there is a team of people who there to help us feel like we are being supported throughout our time here. Supervisors will often be the first point of contact, doing what they can to help us. Our Line manager is supporting us through our 3 years apprenticeship, and often knows what to say/do to help our situations.

I'm lucky to live with a 15 mile distance of where I work, so travel costs are not too expensive for myself. I don't tend to visit the canteen whilst working, preferring to bring my own food in, as the canteen can tend to be slightly pricey. Being part of the US branch of the company, and the only site in the UK to be part of this branch, we are paid significantly less than other apprentices around the country. Earning nearly £10,000 less per year - this can sometimes lead to months that are harder to survive than others.

I am an ambassador for the company, meaning I get opportunities to represent BAE Systems at different engineering events, helping to encourage younger children to pursue careers in electronic engineering. I am also part of the Engineering Taster Week - similar to the ambassador role, we bring students on site for a week to give them a taste of what it's like to be an engineer.

Yes

A well known, respectful company to work for that make you feel valued. Plenty of opportunities to improve day to day skills, as well as many activities that take place outside of work.

Be yourself, don't think any less of yourself if you haven't had any similar experience beforehand. I worked in hospitality for 5 years and managed to get in.