Combat Systems Engineer Review

I am a systems/software engineer working on a modernisation programme. This involves looking into new technologies as well as assessing current shortfalls. My day to day tasks generally involve writing software.

I had some experience in engineering and very basic programming skills, but these have been vastly increased, as well as my wider understanding of our products and how they operate.

I enjoy the business disciplines and the industry we work in, as well as the products and wider systems our work contributes towards. Whilst I am committed to my programme, and have identified more suitable future roles I can move in to, perhaps it wasn't what I should have originally applied for.

There are frameworks for recognition within BAE Systems, and the apprentice community as a whole is well regarded. Executives in higher positions often give their time to share experiences with us and we're encouraged to excel.

My cohort was the first on this particular programme, and as a result, there were some shortcomings, however as we progress through the apprenticeship, visibility and coherence with the programme and its goals are improving.

There are people within the department that are reliable and have a positive attitude towards helping us out. The wider department could be better in terms of support and feedback.

I have a business mentor, a placement manager and my line manager, all of whom are willing to offer support with any issues I may have. The people within the business are also always open to offer support.

For an apprenticeship scheme, the starting salary is very competitive and there is a structured pay scheme throughout it. For a job based in London, the pay can often make it difficult to have a rounded lifestyle in comparison to other apprentices within the business at other sites.

The site I am based it is particularly social and there are often organised events that are open to everyone to take part in. Being in London there also always a plethora of opportunities to do activities in your spare time.

Yes

The company and its products are very interesting, particularly from an engineering perspective, and offer the opportunity for someone to take great pride in what they do. Despite the company being large, which some people may find daunting or impersonal, the benefits are great, and BAE Systems allows you to have well balanced lifestyle whilst working for them.

Whilst having a technical knowledge is obviously important, when you reach assessment centres or interviews, that has already been acknowledged, therefore the most important thing is behaviours and how you portray yourself in these sort of environments. Assessors are always looking at the type of person you are and whether you'd fit in with our values.