Rating

8.7/10
  • 1. Please give an overview of your role and what this involves on a day-to-day basis:
  • I've mainly been moved from place to place in work. During that time, I was able to participate in machine maintenance, electrical testing and installation, breakdown repairs, PLC programming, control systems design and much more.

    8/10

  • 2. Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
  • I've been developing several existing and new skills. As an example, I've become an electrical engineer and have learnt many of the skills associated with my trade. Such skills can range from being able to design a system to building and installing one. Besides learning the skills of my trade, I've developed my communication, business and presenting skills so that I can draw upon them in my personal and working life.

    10/10

  • 3. To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
  • I've enjoyed most of my placements and can say that I've benefited from them. Interacting with my colleagues has been enjoyable throughout the experience.

    8/10

  • 4. How valued do you feel by BAE Systems?
  • There's an increased drive to support early career professionals. As such, each one of us is becoming more valued as time goes on.

    10/10

  • 5. How well organised/structured is your programme?
  • It's relatively well structured but it would be beneficial for the apprentices to be moved around site more often so they can be involved with large projects as they arise.

    7/10

  • 6a. How much support do you receive from your training provider?
  • Our college representatives can be difficult to deal with when a problem arises. Generally, the college tutors are dedicated but some can be indifferent on rare occasions. However, it's still possible to enjoy college days regardless of such things.

    6/10

  • 6b. How much support do you receive from your employer?
  • A high level of support is received from the employer. Our manager is intrinsically involved with our training.

    10/10

  • 7. How well does your salary/package meet your costs?
  • Initially, the first two years of my wage changes couldn't meet my living costs if I was to leave my family home. If you plan to move out, it's best to wait until the apprenticeship is over so that you're on a full wage. Apprentice wages are notoriously low compared with graduate wages and so it's a common problem.

    9/10

  • 8. Are there many opportunities outside of work?
  • Several. We visited sites and other organisations on a regular basis and were able to participate in social events as part of those visits. Additionally, BAE Systems wishes for us to participate in large community projects every few years.

    10/10

  • 9. Would you recommend BAE Systems to a friend?
  • Yes


  • 9b. Why?
  • It's an interesting company to work for and it's possible to expose yourself to several areas of your chosen discipline. Additionally, job security is high in such a large company and the salary is more than competitive.


  • 10. What tips or advice would you give to others applying to BAE Systems?
  • Study your chosen discipline and basic mathematics thoroughly before you apply. You will be tested on your knowledge.


Details

Level 3 Apprenticeship

Engineering

Wales

May 2017


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