Higher Engineering Apprentice Review

My day to day role consists of design work, solving problems, undertaking different tasks to a certain deadline. I interact with people within the company from in Portsmouth so as far as Glasgow and Brough to Warton. I am an apprentice detail designer working on huge projects with small or large teams. They are split into sections and I am currently in a placement with IT engineering.

I have developed a HNC and a HND in mechanical/electrical engineering. I have also nearly completed my NVQ level 3. I take part in loads of training courses which there are so many I can not list. I have learnt many valuable skills both professional and personal. My confidence and motivation have increased dramatically. There are many more skills I have learnt through out this apprenticeship.

The programme within BAE involves several different placements within the framework of the apprenticeship. This is my second placement and so far both have been very rewarding. They have given me insight into the expectations of working life and have also enabled me to form connections with colleagues that will live on throughout my time here at BAE.

I feel extremely valued. Due to budget constraints the department has too few people doing too much work. So apprentices in this department are valuable assets and do actual vital work for the MOD. Working at BAE Systems apprentices are never 'tea boys'. In every department we do valuable work that is vital to the business.

BAE have a great training and practical framework set up to enable all apprentices to find THIER way and place within the BAE systems corporation. The placements are chosen by each individual from the available selection which can give a wide awareness of the function of the BAE systems company sectors and sub-divisions.

You receive lots of training support if it's needed, you have our manager, your placement manager, your NVQ assessor and any of your lectures at college. if you have any problems with any of these things then you will always have someone to go to and to help you too.

Part of the designed framework within the apprenticeship at BAE is a 12 week review system, this facilitates the opportunity to raise any issues on a regular basis and maintains regular contact with the apprenticeship management team. I know I don't have to wait for a review to raise an issue as the apprenticeship management team are always available to assist me if required either by email or in person. On top of this BAE systems also provide online assistance where support may be found and also provide (as standard) an independent "life coaching" helpline which can be contacted 24/7 to discuss pretty much any problem whether work related or home-life related confidentially.

The salary for this level of apprenticeship is very good. This enables apprentices to get paid a decent wage and get to within 1 year of a degree in their chosen field. Attaining a level 5 qualification, BAE will and have supported higher education after this apprenticeship enabling people who have shown the ability and drive to go on and complete their degree supported by BAE. The basic salary is also coupled with other benefits including an annual bonus, share options and a good pension scheme that make the whole financial package very appealing.

The company always advertise for apprentices to get involved in a wide range of opportunities. There are always company events/activities in which we are involved in. There are voluntary things in which you can be involved in such as mentoring within local schools. There are events/classes/sports you can get involved in around the company.

Yes

In the four years you CAN be trained to HND level, have work experience within 6 different sectors of BAE systems gaining a good understanding of the business as a whole. This provides confidence to perform a role when exiting your apprenticeship and provides individuals with a vocational maturity I don't think you can get elsewhere. After the apprenticeship BAE continue to train and support their staff to the highest degree, maintaining the latest levels of H&S training empowering staff and creating a safe working environment for all. If you show your worth and mettle BAE also provide the opportunity to take the education and career development further if you wish, supporting people through Degree and post graduate courses.

Researching interview techniques and do's and don'ts would be good if you can perform practice "role-play" interviews too this would alleviate some nerves come the time. Everyone gets nervous, that's because it matters, but if you can relax and be yourself as much as possible during the assessment days I think the personalities shine through better. Show that you "want it", not that you'd just "like it". In this role you'll be working on Naval ships. Do some specific research, Naval Ships, BAE, Portsmouth Dockyard, show an interest in the infrastructure as well as an interest in Engineering.