Technical Apprentice - BAE Systems Review

My role involves supporting quality related activities for the Displays Team at BAE Systems. On a weekly basis, I extract all QD's raised on the project over the past week. I then sanitise the data and evaluate defect trends. I then present the data to project management and raise corrective action trackers when further investigation is required into a re-occurring trend. As a 3rd year apprentice, I am developing my role within the QA team and working towards higher responsibilities which includes bought out finished inspection, quality approval and product release.

I have learnt how to analyse and inspect products to technical drawings as well as completing required trace-ability documentation. I have learnt how to evaluate all available data to make important quality decisions. Other new skills I have developed are my communication/ team working skills and also my knowledge in regards to the technical build, assembly and testing of products controlled by the Displays Team.

I thoroughly enjoy working within my Third Year Placement in QA due to the variety of tasks and opportunities for further training and development. The Displays Team is very supportive and answer any questions that I have. The Company Culture constantly evaluates the team strengths and weaknesses and offers opportunities for further team working e.g. Colourworks Training to understand different team members personalities. My third year placement greatly exceeded my expectations due to the quantity of opportunities for further training, support and skills development.

I feel valued by my current placement within BAE Systems. The QA team have supported me through regular feedback meetings where further training opportunities have been made available to me as well as feedback on my current performance. The training department have also been greatly involved with my development and have tracked my progress through my 3rd offering support and guidance through regular feedback meetings.

The apprenticeship structure allows apprentices to spend 6-7 weeks in each department on site to become involved with different projects and teams. The structure allows apprentices to understand the business and interview for the department in the company that they are most interested in working for. This structure allows apprentices to be recognised by managers based on their performance.

I receive a great amount of support from the training provider as they have always listened to my concerns and supported me to feel comfortable and safe at work. All of my issues or concerns have been listened to by the training provider and their professional advice & support has allowed me to reach my current career position.

QA Display Team have greatly supported me as mentioned previously. I have received thorough training and opportunities to develop my skills. The training provider have also offered me areas of improvement and opportunities for further development. I would say that overall the support i get is really good and i can't think of a suggestion for improvement.

The salary package can appear to be limited but the amount of training and education the company offers apprentices greatly outweighs this. There are also pay rises every 6 months throughout the apprenticeship. compared to national minimum wage for an apprentice i think that bae systems is really good in comparison and definitely nowhere near minimum wage, not even at the start of the apprenticeship.

The company occasionally advertises opportunities outside of work but this could be improved with more advertisement. I have attended team Christmas Meals and sociable events and have felt very welcomed to participate in events organised by the company. I think that the activities outside of work are really fun and i would definitely promote them to other staff.

Yes

The apprenticeship is structured to allow apprentices to develop their electronic theory and knowledge in the 1st year at an external nearby training centre. The 2nd year of the apprenticeship allows 6-7weeks in each department to understand the purpose and function of each department. This structure also allows managers to get to know and recognise the performance of the apprentices. The 3rd year allows the apprentices to spend 1 whole year in the department of their choice as long as the apprentice has performed well, shown keen interest and positions are available on the particular project they are interested in joining.

I would advise others thinking of applying to BAE Systems that the apprenticeship is a 3 year interview and a positive attitude, keen interest and a hardworking performance are essential skills to maintain throughout the apprenticeship. Remember to practice your interview questions and finally, enjoy the process and don't worry too much!