Apprentice Engineer Review

On the job training includes working in different placements designed to meet NVQ criteria and to provide a useful experience of working in that department. Depending on the trade that you specialised in, you could be on the shop floor building the product, or in the offices providing support in one of many disciplines. through the course of each placement, you are given more responsibility as your necessary skills develop, and you can take ownership of certain tasks.

In each placement, I have gained and developed most skills associated to each specific department. Across all departments, I have developed my general computer skills, interpersonal skills and organisation. In some placements, there are specific qualifications and skills that can be gained should your role require.

I enjoy moving around departments and gaining experience and understanding of how each section works. The variety of departments I have experienced is vast, and the exposure to all aspects of the work was more than I expected. Overall I enjoyed this On-the-Job training.

The support I have received and have available to me is very good, and the lengths that people go to help where they can is excellent. Apprentices are valued within the departments as they are given real responsibilities and opportunities to gain experience and see new things. The training school also provides many opportunities for extra curricular activies

The programme is well structured from a qualification and induction point of view, however, there is no real explanation of what each trade will experience when they get to the placements they are on. There is lots of interaction with the assessors when on placements, but not much from the training school. Most departments tend to have an early careers plan, and so you feel valued and welcomed.

The training provider supports us through our assessors, and provides regular emails when reviews are coming up. there are regular checks on NVQ progress and college feedback.

Whilst on placement, I have found there is a lot of support from everyone in the team, and most are happy to help with an additional experience/ support you require. Most departments have early careers teams/ setups that support throughout each placement

For me personally, the salary package more than meets my living, travel and daily costs. The rate at which pay increases and the starting wage are more than adequate for apprentices.

The training school provides extra curricular activities such as supporting events, trips and exchanges, or supports community input. these opportunities are regularly emailed over to us well in advance

Yes

If the friend was interested in engineering, then there are few places that would suit their ambitions. BAE treats its employees well and the salary is more than enough. The apprenticeship can open many doors for an individual, and there are great benefits for working for this company.

Preparation is key, and I would approach every new phase of the apprenticeship with an open mind, and take any opportunities that are given to you.