4th year apprentice Review

Worked in different areas of the site so far. currently on shop floor dealing qith quality issues and examining parts for problems errors. also been in a few office areas and expanded my skills on databses etc. There are some customer projects i am currently working on and i have some responsibility for the work i do but if i am unsure i can ask my fellow employees/supervisors.

Since the beginning of my apprenticeship I have completed a HNC in Mechanical Engineering at Distinction level. I have also learnt how to read, interpret and produce engineering drawings that can be part of an overall project. My time on the apprenticeship has allowed me to go on-board many naval ships and develop an understanding of many of the different systems used and their associated equipment.

I enjoy meeting the new teams when I rotate about the business. I like to get involved with a variety of tasks and I enjoy working with the equipment and technology that BAE Systesms produces. The company is well motivated which helps to make an enthusiastic team. The apprenticeship has exceeded my expectations.

As an apprentice I am always reminded of my importance in the company as I will be involved with its future. My placement managers have always appreciated me being involved within their departments and have always shown an interest in my development. So in whole I would say valued pretty well by the company.

Organisation has been average. There are times when it is very good, but there are times where it has been let down. The beginning of my apprenticeship was very well organised especially the induction process. There has been recently less structure to the apprenticeship since a management change however this is expected and can be forgiven. The placement selection, confirmation process could do with being more organised.

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.

Our employer gives us plenty of support and we get reviews every few months/12 weeks to monitor our progress within the company and you feel that they really care about your progress. I am happy with the current amount of support i receive from my employer however i would probably like to see them a bit more such as having a 2-week update/review instead.

Well we could all do with a payrise surely! 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.

Yes there are plenty of clubs and meetings that employees could attend, however I don't feel they are made known to us very well and I feel we are missing some opportunities however we are sent some emails from our HR team on some local events such as charity challenges and invites to other corporate social events.

Yes

There are many career opportunities with BAE systems and the company has a very good reputation and is a very good one to work for. I have enjoyed the apprenticeship and I feel others should take these opportunities too. If engineering is for you then they offer great opportunities and prospects for your future with the apprentice scheme.

A project is needed for your interview, I'd reccomend working hard on this project and a good way of explaining and presenting it as it's a big part of the interview. Also an appreciation or anjoyment of engineering in general would be an advantage, however not vital. I would also say to read up about the company and products and show you've done your research.