Technical Apprentice Review

I am an engineering technician apprentice in my 2nd year of my apprenticeship. This means that I spend one day a week at CEMAST College studying my HND in Mechanical Engineering. The rest of the week is spent at my placement in work. Currently this is working with the Production team at Broadoak. This involves me planning production tasks and providing engineering support. This allows me to be involved in a variety of different engineering manufacture tasks. I am also involved in ongoing investigations towards producing a new product for Selex.

Since the beginning of my apprenticeship I have completed a HNC in Mechanical Engineering at Distinction level. I have also learnt how to read, interpret and produce engineering drawings that can be part of an overall project. My time on the apprenticeship has allowed me to go on-board many naval ships and develop an understanding of many of the different systems used and their associated equipment. I have been sent away to a site in Frimley for a writing business documents course. This helped me to develop my skills in writing professional documents. I apply this knowledge to my work and my studies. I try to get involved in other activities that will help me develop my personal skills; such as the Junior Leaders Field Gun competition and Outward Bound. I am currently studying my HND and my NVQ Level 3.

I enjoy meeting the new teams and friendly employees when I rotate about the business. I like to get involved with a variety of tasks and I enjoy working with the equipment and technology that BAE Systesms produces. The company is well motivated which helps to make an enthusiastic team. The apprenticeship has exceeded my expectations so far and everyone i have worked with currently within the business has helped me in some way during this course too.

As an apprentice I am always reminded of my importance in the company as I will be involved with its future. My placement managers have always appreciated me being involved within their departments and have always shown an interest in my development. They will take the time to ask me how i am and i have never personally seen any fault with my immediate managers/supervisors either. I can honestly say that i am very happy in my current situation within BAE Systems.

Organisation has been average. There are times when it is very good, but there are times where it has been let down. The beginning of my apprenticeship was very well organised especially the induction process. There has been recently less structure to the apprenticeship since a management change however this is expected and can be forgiven. The placement selection, confirmation process could do with being more organised.

Assuming that my training provider is the college that I study at: I receive minimal support. I am however only at college one day a week so I wouldn't expect any. If I had problems with my studies there are people I could speak to. However this has never been a problem for me. IF I had problems at home or any other problem with my apprenticeship I have no doubt that I could receive support from my apprenticeship manager.

I overall receive a lot of support from my immediate supervisor and manager. Anyone who is higher up in the comapny i have not yet seen however i understand they are very busy with their job. I am happy with all the help i receive in this apprenticeship and how any of my problems have been dealt with so far. I would feel comfortable enough to go to any one of my supervisors/managers and ask for help. I am yet to see much fault with the system and overall attitude towards apprentices as well within BAE Systems.

Well we could all do with a payrise surely! In all honesty the first year was difficult for me as I was living on my own and I had also moved away from home in Watford 80 miles away. As soon as I went into my second year I've had a payrise and now it is a bit more comfortable. I am due to have another payrise when I go into my third year. Living costs are higher than ever and a higher salary would help. There are other engineering companys that have better paid apprenticeships. Regardless, BAE Systems apprenticeships have a reasonable salary. If there are apprentices that have gone above and beyond to do a task, they are reimbursed; i.e miles paid, travel expenses, meal expenses.

Plenty of different opportunities. Company events, school events, STEM (Science, Technical, Engineering, Maths), JLFG, plus all the site specific opportunities. There's also a gym in the dockyard. I think that the company provides a lot of support to the local community and various charities as well. We are always given an opportunity to help others and give back. I am happy with my STEM work and look forward to helping out in local schools and try to inspire the children with the engineering we do.

Yes

The company is of a personal interest of mine. It gives the chance to work with highly technical equipment and systems. The company gives fantastic support to its employees and values every individual. The money isn't the best but it is certainly very good compared to other local apprentices - nothing else gets close. As you progress through the system you also get wage increases too providing you stay up to date with your NVQ/HNC work at college and your apprenticeship/diploma work too.

Try to learn the company values: Trusted, Innovative, Bold. Take your time on the website filling out the application form. Also I think that it helps practicing interviews with either your parents or friend who would be willing to help. If you are usuccessful then i would suggest making a copy of your online applicationn for future reference and knowing how to best answer the question for next time you fill in a similar form etc. Lastly present yourself and in a formal way.