Apprenticeship Review

I am currently a technical apprentice. I working my first year full year at Preston however after this I transferred back to the Brough site and I have since then chosen to be a technial apprentice and moved into a few different departments to get experience from different areas and gain new skills and meet new people too.

Yes, I have been to Preston where we learnt the basics of engineering such as the principles of flight and we also spent time on the shop floor welding and using different pieces of machinery to better understand the manufacturing processes used when building aircraft. I have also been on some internally led courses which has developed my knowledge of health and safety.

I enjoy the work that I do and the environment within which I work. My colleagues are very helpful and spend a lot of time ensuring that I know the ins and outs of each task. The program has met my expectations, and I have enjoyed it so far. It was great going to Preston for a year as I got closer to my fellow apprentices and it was good experience living on your own.

I think BAE Systems values their apprentices quite a lot. The company put a lot of effort into ensuring we are happy and enjoying the work we do and that we are also on track with our college work and looking after our wellbeing too. We have progress reviews every couple of months and we also have informal chats with our leaders when we see them in passing usually.

I think the program is well structured and gives the best possible introduction to an engineering career. To be rotated around the departments and learn a variety of skills from different areas is priceless, and not always common in apprenticeship roles. Our apprenticeship leader also ensures the supervisors in different departments take time to help us and give us work.

I'm always asking questions and learning new systems and procedures to further my knowledge. We have recently had apprentices change from Hull college to HETA in Hull since the standars were not up to scratch and i think this shows how BAE is adapting to feedback given from apprentices. Currently at HETA I think it's great as their sole focus is engineering.

Locally, I receive lots of support in my day-to-day work. Colleagues are always on hand and readily available to help. The HR department is very helpful when I was going through further education, and always ensured that yearly pay reviews were communicated on time. In addition, they set up an apprentice forum where feedback on the apprenticeship program could be given.

Since leaving my previous job I took a considerable wage cut. Since taking on the apprenticeship I've had to cut down on spending - but I still have no problem with travelling, renting a property and socialising on the current salary. I feel the salary package is very good for an apprentice especially compared to other apprenticeships in the local area.

The community investments team run a lot of events which take place outside of work. I have been involved in a few charity football matches which were a lot of fun. Barbecues and pub nights are also offered, though I do not tend to attend due to personal circumstances. Certain employees usually organise weekends out with departments too which i normally get invited too.

Yes

Because it's a great starting point to an expanding career working on some of the worlds newest technology. The starting salary is very competitive, as well as the salary after just two years! The educational side to the experience is really good with knowledge that could be transferred to another company/job if needed.

To be sure of the role you are applying for. To know about the company, its values, and the kind of person that is required for the job role. If you truly believe that you can contribute and be a part of the vision, then BAE Systems is a fitting and rewarding company to work for/start your career with.