Engineering Technician Apprentice Review

I am currently a second year Engineering Technician working in the Clyde sites for BAE Systems. As part of the second year development plan I have been on various placements around the business to gain a better understanding of how the business works. So far I have been in Production Engineering, Liaison, Production Design and Detail Design. Production Engineering allowed me to understand the complex systems that are in place in order to deliver complex warships to our client in an efficient and cost effective way. Liaison was a thoroughly enjoyable placement as well as it allowed me to gain a better understanding of how the ships are built and what problems can arise during and manufacturing process. Production Design is a more technical based placement where the build strategy and lifting and turning calculations are performed. Whilst there I was given the task of doing several lifting and turning calculations which are required to safely lift and turn the huge units constructed and place them in the correct position on the ship. I was also involved with a job regarding the build strategy. The build strategy involves considering what BAE Systems has at its disposal and the site layout and considering how this will affect the construction of its products and producing a solution before any of these issues become a problem. My final placement is in Detail Design and this will ultimately be where I will be placed for the remainder of my apprenticeship. Each placement has placed me in situations that require me to act on my own initiative and also communicate with senior managers. As well as this I have been involved with several teams working on separate projects and have felt fully included in all team meetings and project developments. Everyday I come into work I am challenged by my colleagues with new tasks which are tailored specifically to my personal development within the business.

In my first year I gained an A in HNC Engineering Systems and that has set me up for doing my HND in engineering systems where I am currently on track for an A. In my first year I have also obtained an SVQ Level 2 in Performing Engineering Operations (PEO) and again this has set me up to obtaining my Level 3 PEO in the next couple of years. Within work I have been on several training courses. These include dedicated courses to train me how to use the various software used within the business and also how to operate the state of the art new visualisation suite which allows a fully immersive experience in the detail design process of the ships. I am also currently enrolled into courses later in this year which focus on health and safety on the ship and also how to safely work at height and in confined spaces. With all of these training opportunities and future courses I am going to go on it is fully apparent to me that BAE systems really invests in their apprentices and takes full interest in our development.

I love my program. You are never sat in neutral, you are always in top gear and the guys around you are always supportive of your development. In BAE Systems apprentices are fully appreciated and made to feel as a constructive part of any team that they are working for. The company also breeds a positive competitive working culture whereby your hard work and dedication is recognised and awarded. The apprenticeship has surpassed my expectations in many ways. As an older apprentice I went into this apprenticeship not knowing how it will work out but it has been a fully rewarding and developing experience so far. I have loved every minute of my apprenticeship so far and it has only encouraged me to work harder and fully appreciate the role of an apprentice within a workplace and also to realise the necessity for apprenticeships throughout industry and why it is important to have them.

At the end of each placement I have a review with my training officer and also the manager who I had been working for. During this process I am made fully aware of my progress and how well I have been doing. This makes me feel as though I am valued and that I have made a positive contribution to the business. Something I was surprised with was the projects and tasks that I have so far been involved with. As a second year apprentice I never thought that I would be contributing significant work to any live project but so far in each placement I have been in I have had the opportunity to do so.

The program has a brilliant and well organised structure. The initial induction was three days and covered everything from health and safety to security protocol due to the nature of the business. My training is structured over the next 4 years and is clearly outlined to me so there is clarity and to ensure I am fully aware of my future progression.

I am in contact with my training officer daily and he provides me with advice and feedback on how I am developing. All senior managers and training officers are approachable within the business and an open door policy is observed whereby no question is a silly one. I feel as though my training officer takes a keen interest on me personally and within the business and is always available whenever I require assistance.

As an apprentice I have been made to feel welcome and fully supported wherever I have been in the business so far. Managers, training officers and colleagues all support my development and all take an active interest in seeing me progress confidently through the apprenticeship.

The salary is good in comparison to other apprenticeship programs but if I was to have one objection about the program it is that it isn't enough, especially for me as an older apprentice when I have more responsibilities than a younger apprentice would have. Other than that the business supports me whenever I have to travel during working hours and also do whatever they can to support me if I do have financial difficulties.

As a member of the Local Apprentice Council I have the responsibility of organising some of these events which are designed to involve apprentices and encourage a positive work atmosphere between colleagues and apprentices. These events include charity runs and football tournaments.

Yes

The apprenticeship that BAE Systems offers is one which offers many rewards and is really designed to be tailored toward your own personal development. You are not left to feel as part of a crowd but are instead recognised as an individual with your own strengths and weaknesses. Your strengths are encouraged and rewarded whilst your weaknesses are developed so that you become a better version of yourself.

When applying for the apprenticeship program try have a good understanding of what it is the business does and the various products it produces. Whilst in the interview be confident and always give an answer to any question asked, don't be scared to be wrong! That's how we learn. Your honesty will be appreciated and will show your willingness to learn. Good Luck!