Technical apprentice Review

My role within the company is an Engineering Apprentice. This involves working with CAD software to design and develop systems on board a naval ship. Currently, in my I have been working in 3 month placements, moving around different departments in the business to gain a better knowledge of what they do and a better experience.

Throughout my apprenticeship so far I feel I have developed my confidence a considerable amount, this is due to all the different areas you have to get involved in; I also feel this is due to the amount of enrichment programmes I have had the opportunity to be a part of. I have taken part in the ‘Princes Trust Team Programme’, the ‘Apprentice Innovation Challenge’, and even have the opportunity to promote STEM, (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) subjects in Bahrain.

The programme is a great career path and is very enjoyable as it develops all your skills and knowledge of the business. There are many things to enjoy from being part of a large company that builds wordclass products to passing the courses at college. So far I have enjoyed the experience I have had.

As mentioned above I feel very valued by BAE Systems due to the amount of responsibility placed on me in my work. Each department I have worked in requires different skills however each adds the responsibility of running my own projects or jobs, where I am expected to seek support as required from someone with more experience or knowledge of the subject.

The Technician Apprenticeship at BAE Systems is well organised in most aspects; when it comes to finding placements within the company, because it is such a large organisation, it can be difficult to find where you would like to be placed next. There isn’t much information to hand about the different placements available to apprentices. However, the programme is working on this and they are putting together a ‘portfolio’ about the different placements and what each one involves.

Assuming that my training provider is the college that I study at: I receive minimal support. I am however only at college one day a week so I wouldn't expect any. If I had problems with my studies there are people I could speak to. However this has never been a problem for me. IF I had problems at home or any other problem with my apprenticeship I have no doubt that I could receive support from my apprenticeship manager.

My employer conducts the 12 week reviews as required by my training provider. There is a company apprentice training officer who is very supportive and approachable. The training officer is always available and can visit me in my placement several times a week, or as neccessary. I know I can speak to them about anything within or outwith my job.

In all honesty the first year was difficult for me as I was living on my own and I had also moved away from home in Watford 80 miles away. As soon as I went into my second year I've had a payrise and now it is a bit more comfortable. I am due to have another payrise when I go into my third year. Living costs are higher than ever and a higher salary would help. There are other engineering companys that have better paid apprenticeships. Regardless, BAE Systems apprenticeships have a reasonable salary. If there are apprentices that have gone above and beyond to do a task, they are reimbursed; i.e miles paid, travel expenses, meal expenses.

As well as having a very good apprenticeship scheme, BAE Systems allow you the opportunity to undertake many enrichment programmes. Some of programmes available to apprentices are, the ‘Princes Trust Team Programme’, the ‘Apprentice Innovation Challenge’, the ‘German Exchange’, ‘World Skills’, and ‘STEM Ambassador Scheme’.

Yes

I would recommend BAE Systems to a friend as I have found it to be both interesting and thoroughly enjoyable. They have providing me with countless opportunities and support where and when I have needed it, and have helped me build foundations for a good future career. I have also been to college and had other jobs, but I have found that BAE Systems was the best option for me.

If anyone knows they want to work for the company then they should be proactive about it. The company offers work experience through schools and also summer work experience. This would stand anyone in good stead when applying to the company. Also to research what we do and to be open minded, sometimes you are required to leave your comfort zone in order to gainb or develop skills.