3rd Year Engineering Technician Review

I am an Engineering Technician Apprentice within BAE Systems. On a day to day basis I work on CAT-B seats within the structural detail design team. Within this team we are using Foran, a 3D modelling package to integrate equipment onto the main structure of the war ship. This includes continuous liaising with other disciplines such as piping, electrical and HVAC. I use design guidance to design the seat for the ship and then send this to stage 1 to get calculations carried out. I am currently doing an extra college course to learn how to do these calculations.

Within this role I have learned a lot about naval war ship design, specifically structural engineering. I have benn given the opportunity to do an HNC and am just finishing my HND in Engineering Systems. This has allowed me to have the option for university in the coming years. The business put us through continuous training to ensure we are at the top of our game. This includes doing online courses to enhance knowledge on safety and document control etc... I was also able to do an 'Outward Bound' This was a team building week away from the business allowing me to discover my skills and learn what I needed to improve.

I really enjoy the programme that I am on. I think you get a really great insight into the business as you are given placements in your 2nd year which allow you to then take forward an area which you are interested in, ie - piping, structural, electrical etc... There is a culture like no other within ship building, all staff are great with apprentices and always happy to help. I think this is because within engineering, lots of the employees started out as apprentices so want to help. The apprenticeship has exceeded my expectations and I thoroughly enjoy coming to work everyday.

I feel very valued in BAE Systems. At no point have I ever been made to feel like I was 'just' an apprentice. You are treated as one of the team and part of the project. Everyone has the same objective and that's to make the best design that we can. Apprentices opinions are heard and their ideas are used!

The programme runs like clockwork. The technician programme has been established for a number of years so it is always well organised. We are given time to do our logs and study and learn. We are given notice and a structured plan of what we are doing and what is required to be achieved.

I have a training officer who looks after the technicians and I receive a lot of support from him. He regularly comes to visit me where we can discuss the tasks I am working on and how things are going. If I have any issues he is always there to help.

My manager within my department gives me lots of support also, he scopes out the work I am doing to ensure I learn and have appropriate tasks for my logs. He is always there on hand to show me something if I am unsure.

BAE Systems revised the pay 2 years ago and this really made a difference. Currently the pay is really good. I am only 19 and earning more money than any other 19 year olds I know. Therefore I believe that BAE Systems has quite a competitive salary.

There are many events outside of work to get involved in. Currently I am part of a team taking part in the UK Challenge. As well as this many charity events are put on as well as social events such as 5-a-side tournaments.

Yes

I have already recommended the apprenticeship to many people. My older brother joined the company a year after me as an apprentice because I told him how great it was. Friends from school as well as my younger brothers friends have also applied this year as they see how rewarding the BAE Systems apprenticeship can be. The apprenticeship BAE offer isn't a job, its a career.

For others applying for the BAE Systems apprenticeship id advise them to do their research on the business, be confident in your own ability and be yourself.