Apprentice in Electronic Technician Review

Monday to Friday, from 8.30am to 4pm (Thursday and Friday are different finishing times from above). We are based at IPS International and there we learn what we need to learn before going on to year 2. This includes - fault finding, CAD, Chassis wiring and soldering, PCB, IPC, Bench, using test equipment, electronic principles where applied and more. We have two folders for evidence and training. We test, fix and learn with three breaks a day and every Thursday is a college day.

I come from a science background and previously studied biochemistry at university. However, I chose to not continue my third year and decided on a change of education. So coming into the electronics field there is a lot I have learnt and some I bring my A level physics background. I have developed a villa in IPC such as soldering and fault finding. I have developed bench skills for metal work. I have learnt a new CAD system, I have learnt to use equipment more effectively such as PSU and oscilloscope that I used in my secondary school. I have developed on my skills as a student and an effective participant in the group.

I thoroughly enjoy the programme. I work hard and enjoy the Monday to Friday work routine. My colleagues are as interesting as ever and trustworthy which is a must in a work place like BAR systems. I enjoy the perks and we are well looked after. Though the pay can be better but it is still great compared to normal apprenticeship wages. Overall a great career choice.

Very valued. There is a lot of emphasis around apprenticeship at BAE systems. A lot of the employees currently there have been an appretice before us. BAE pay a lot for our education and give a lot of support from safeguarding to a doctor and a therapist. I also feel valued because I can call my work colleagues friends and enjoy waking up for work.

Very well organised. There are clear sets of subjects to be learnt wig lots of materials to be used as part of our learning. At first It can seem daunting, especially if no background in electronics, but the support and what is worked with is so well designed that anyone can now learnthe hard bits. College could be better, there is a lot of issues but BAE systems is working hard with them to remedy some of the issues. IPS is outstanding.

We receive a lot of support from our training provider. IPS is excellent in their delivery. Very clear, well thought out subject lines and tasked given to us are not too hard but challenging enough. There is a clear different from IPS and college. College in midkent Gillingham has suffered on the quality of education they have given us. Although electronic principles, maths, health and safety and microprocessors are great Other subject areas have suffered as a result of lack of qualified staff and organisation issues. However, IPS continue to help us to the highest standard and have helped us to push out assignments for college.

A lot of support as mentioned above. Fro safeguarding issues to a doctor and a therapist. We also get visit from second years who look after us aswell with our work. We also have had loads of opportunities to come on site and explore the place to give us an idea of where we could be working. We have been giving all the materials and equipment we need to do well in the course. So a lot of support and continue to receive a lot of support.

Bear in mind this is an apprenticeship. And compared to a majority of apprenticeships out there. We get paid reasonably well. However I am quite senior for an apprenticeship position in terms of age and for myself personally I have a lot of outgoings so the salary at the start is quite low. However thankfully I have other income to supplement this and I am doing okay. We are due pay rises for the coming months and over the next three years to be earning almost as much as minimum wages in a normal job. Once we start properly we will be earning more than twice what we started with. The package and perks however meet and exceed a lot of my expectations from pensions to free this and that. Our badge gives us discounts in certain places and we are well looked after.

There are loads of opportunities and the ones that interest me are the second year's own organised events from Christmas quiz which is also in partnership with BAE. There are lots of meets up and get together for a night of fun and opportunities to make new friends. We have had a work experience trip to Bowles in Tunbridge wells. All expenses paid for and for our own benefit. Throughtly enjoyed the experience. So there are plenty of opportunities.

Yes

Excellent place to work for and you are well looked after. I have made great friends and even from a science background you are given the resources to succeed. So it comes down to who you are and if you are willing to work for it. There are also lots of opportunities for further study and placenta for different jobs within the company.

BAE are always looking for a people to join their apprenticeships scheme. You don't always need to have an electronic background to get selected. What you do need is common sense, an open mind to explore new possibilities and be yourself. Everyone is accepted and everyone is different. We all work towards a common goal. This apprenticeship is not just about teaching people electronics. It is also about teaching people respect, class and working as a team as well as working solo. Doing this apprenticeship opens many doors of opportunities no matter where you are from. You just have to be willing to work for it.