IT Higher Apprentice Review

I have worked in a number of areas within the IT function at BAE Systems. I am currently working in the IT Finance Team, focusing specifically on Cost Reduction relating to Printing. This has allowed me to interact with a number of different individuals from within the Submarines business and from the wider business as I have been conversing with a number of other sites in order to begin this project. This project has also given me a better view/understanding of our departmental budget and the importance of being a cost effective business/function.

I have learnt a number of new skills since beginning my scheme in 2015. Through my apprenticeship I have gained a FdSc in Computing which I will begin to top up to a full BSc next year. There have been a number of internal training courses that have provided me with a large amount of knowledge about our product, this has probably been the most beneficial thing since starting, as IT is a support function so we don't work directly with the product.

I thoroughly enjoy my programme, especially working within the IT function. All the teams that I have been friendly and really helpful, and the work that I have been given whilst in these placements is substantial (not just boring jobs that people don't want to do). I have also found that people within the teams I have worked in, are extremely approachable and willing to help with any questions/issues that I have.

I feel fairly valued by BAE Systems, I think its hard to feel really valued by the wider business when you are just apprentice/higher apprentice etc. However internally I do feel valued by my team and the wider function. As mentioned in 3, so far the work that I have been given to do has been fairly substantial which lets me know that managers/team leaders in the function trust me with the work and trust me to complete it to a high standard.

The programme I am on is well structured, within IT due to the vast range of placements (business and technical) I have been the opportunity to choose my placements based upon what I think I will enjoy and where I can see my end role. In terms of support, the early careers team are helpful and always make themselves available to answer any questions/uncertainties that I have.

With regards to my Foundation Degree, Furness College has been a poor training provider in my opinion. The lessons themselves aren't delivered in a suitable manor and often tutors go off track resulting in wasted time. This then causes me and a number of other students to do a lot more extra work (than what is already required) and also having to approach the tutors for further help as things weren't explained properly in the first place. The course I am on is delivered extremely unprofessionally and it doesn't feel like I am undertaking a degree at all. Due to these issues new starts into the IT function (as Higher Apprentices) will be attending Manchester Metropolitan University - I am hoping to transfer there next year for my BSc Top Up.

We receive a lot of support from our employee. There a number of individuals who are put in place to support us, Placement Managers, Placement Contacts, Discipline Manager, Line Manager and the wider early careers team. When you receive the offer of employment you get assigned a buddy, someone who has or is undertaking a scheme within BAE Systems Early Careers, who you can ask questions and ask for their experiences whilst being on the scheme - this also gives you a friendly face to talk to when you start in the business. Early Careers always makes us aware of routes to take if we have an issue e.g. Occupational Health and Employee Assistance Programme.

My salary meets my costs easily, I live locally so find fuel costs small and my salary also allowed me to purchase my car at the beginning of my apprenticeship. I find that living costs, daily costs and social costs are all covered by my salary and I never find myself short if I manage my money well. If there is any need to travel for business purposes, the business covers this cost so there is no need to be out of pocket.

There are a number of opportunities outside of work that we are able to take part in as part of our scheme, these are called stretch assignments. I personally have been involved in a stretch assignment which has allowed me to travel to Farnborough and London, and also network with people from all over the world. In terms of non-work related activities, there are plenty of things that you can do in Barrow to occupy yourself but if you travel a little further to the Lake District there are a numerous things to do/take part in. I play in Team Trainee - a team made up of Higher Apprentices which take part in the Barrow Women's Rounder's league every Tuesday night!

Yes

I would recommend BAE Systems to a friend as my experience here so far has been extremely positive. Along with the attractive salary and benefits (e.g. Share Scheme or Pension), everyone that I have met/interacted with have been nice and willing to help with anything I needed. It has also allowed me to meet a number of really good friends.

Spend time on your online application form, it's also probably best to get one or two people to check it over (I got my parents and the 6th Form Careers Advisor) as you may miss some small mistakes after reading it through so many times. I would also recommend doing your application in some sort of word processing document so you can keep track of your word count. This also gives you a back up in case anything was to go wrong.