Technical Information Co-Ordinator Apprentice Review

My job role is a Technical Information Co-ordinator Apprentice, I direct documents (Army Equipment Support Publications (AESPs)) through the Engineering department within the company and with our subcontractors to ensure they are edited appropriately, and are delivered ontime to the customer. The job role includes several different duties such as pagination checking, grammar, spelling and consistency checks throughout the document, speaking to different subcontractors, engineers, procurement & commercial officers, along with many other members of staff. Additional duties are processing different forms such as F10s for additional publication amendments and edits, to VAP (Vetting and Approval Performa) for getting several signatures off different personnel before the final delivery. I currently work with different people every few months to get a feel of all the different platforms we have at BAE Systems Telford; for example, the first 3-4 months would be with my supervisor, Yvonne S. who is responsible for the CVR(T), Stormer, and Pinzgauer vehicles; the next few months would be with Zoe C. who deals with the Warrior vehicle; etc. Before this apprenticeship, I was a contractor for BAE Systems as a Specification's Assistant, so being an apprentice has allowed me to become permanent staff which means being able to participate in all company events, allowing me to try out different departments (I had worked a month in the Commercial department during this apprenticeship), and also allows a little more freedom to explore the company and to let it mould you into the ideal employee. Best decision I've made to undergo training with BAE Systems.

My professionalism in e-mail communication has gone up a lot since starting my apprenticeship, writing skills have also increased (this is also due to the additional course my line manager has put me on;Technical Author Learning). Since work have several courses that are mandetory, constant upkeep of ITAR laws are made aware to all employees along with Health and Safety courses also. I have found that my investigation skills are quite high when it comes to digging out information or doing research on certain topics, and then creating a report from them (as I had to do about the company a few times).

I enjoy everything about it, there's not much I can say that's a bad take on the experience. At times, the job role I'm doing is slightly quiet meaning there's not much work, but the company is happy to use my services elsewhere so long as I'm offering to help. The course and the company has gotten me involved in quite a few events which is always apppreciated, and also lead me to gain good contacts for the future of my career development.

I feel quite valued within this company, I speak to my line manager quite often as we get along great, my supervisor & mentors all get along, I get monthly feedback from several people to keep a track of my progress and anything that is above my targets I am always recognised for.

The training itself is quite well put' my line manager had set up a monthly training plan before I had started day one which he has chopped and changed accordingly (due to holidays, or change of circumstances, etc.); the training provider is keeping us all up to date with any changes that need to be made, having monthly meetings with us individually, etc. The whole thing isn't bad, the only thing I could say is that I'd rather have a meeting every 2 weeks rather than every month, but that's just the strain of employees and time.

The training provider does all they can in order to ensure we're all able to get all areas covered of our courses; they will extend meetings when possible, call us up and send e-mail updates when they're free. The marking for work would depend on how much they have on at the time and how big the file is to mark; but they will always aim to get it back in a timely fashion which is always appreciated.

My employer is always there for help and this is done in several ways. BAE Systems has several schemes and contacts for their employees such as their EAP (Employee Assistance Programme), CAPITA (Employee Telephone Advice Line), dedicated HR department, Union representatives around the company, direct employees and managers also. So far, I've had no major concerns, but if I ever do, I have several options to sort it out.

My cost of living is generall quite low as my rent at home is cheap (living with family), travel costs aren't too high, as taxis are often caught but I usually get a lift into work. Social costs and food costs are my biggest expenditure, but I do not require a lot to keep myself going. Phone contracts, gym membership and savings are the biggest direct outgoings for myself which my wage covers just fine.

There are several events that the company will advertise when the opportunities arise such as shows, physical acitivity plans, community development projects, etc. One of the best events I got involved with was the Big Build with BAE Systems where we were given materials and several plans to turn a field into a social community location.

Yes

The company overall is friendly, professional, fun, and is a great place for opportunities to start. I've already recommended a few people apply for a job here as it's been the best one I've had.

During the interview, say you make a good cup of coffee, that always sweetens the deal. The application process is all done online, so please do not come on site with a CV in your hands hoping you'll get in, you won't. Keep a positive attitude throughout, they like people who are cheerful and passionate about working here. And do some research about the company before you join, because a) they have a very interesting history, and learning about the different vehicles is a lot of fun and b) it shows you're willing to deeper into the company rather than having no drive and no interest. Last piece of advice (or rather old tradition), when it's your birthday, bring food.