Rating
- 1. Please give an overview of your role and what this involves on a day-to-day basis:
- 2. Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
- 3. To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
- 4. How valued do you feel by BAE Systems?
- 5. How well organised/structured is your programme?
- 6a. How much support do you receive from your training provider?
- 6b. How much support do you receive from your employer?
- 7. How well does your salary/package meet your costs?
- 8. Are there many opportunities outside of work?
- 9. Would you recommend BAE Systems to a friend?
- 9b. Why?
- 10. What tips or advice would you give to others applying to BAE Systems?
My role currently involves overseeing the through life management of the company's fixed assets, from identification of need for an asset through to acquiring, maintaining, upgrading and then disposing of the asset. We are currently working towards standardising these processes to enable visibility of the assets throughout the business on all levels, developing this process is particularly interesting as I am communicating with all our stakeholders and customers throughout the manufacturing side of the business.
I have certainly developed my communicational skills alongside my technical knowledge of the processes involved with the manufacturing of our products due to my engagements with the assets which therefore enabled me to have conversations with the individuals involved with the operation/running of the assets. This knowledge I feel will be invaluable throughout my time at BAE Systems.
I feel the fact I do enjoy the programme is evident in the fact that I genuinely enjoy coming to work and I enjoy my job. Although I have only been in the company for a short period of time this time has certainly flown by, most likely due to the interesting nature of the work and also the learning I have been completing along the way.
BAE Systems is notorious for its impeccable treatment of apprentices and I must say without a shadow of a doubt this is most certainly the case. This is not only noticeable through the money exerted into the apprentice schemes and our training but in the sense that within the company there is a multitude of highly skilled individuals who, on the most part, are more than willing to offer you their support and guidance when required.
The structure of the apprenticeship is extremely regulated which I feel is certainly a good thing, we complete our 20% 'off the job' training in the state of the art Academy for Skills and Knowledge. We are also assigned assessors, sponsors, placement managers and potentially mentors which further extends the huge support network available for BAE Systems apprentices.
With our training provider being internally based the support and correspondence with them is excellent, whether we are seeking information concerning our learning modules or have a general issue there is almost always someone available to talk to and seek guidance from when required. I feel this is an excellent tool in aiding and accelerating our development, not only as apprentices but also but also as individuals and young adults.
The support I receive from BAE Systems is crucial to my development and is something I don't feel many other companies would be able to offer this support. The support is offered through regular reviews, discussions with senior management and also your designated individuals who are assigned to assist you in your progress throughout the company, as previously referenced.
I feel as a school leaver the salary package certainly meets my own expenditure and as I progress through my career I feel this will remain the case. There are also various financial incentive schemes such as share investment, pension contributions, above and beyond financial recognition for excellent performance and also the employee incentive scheme which reward attendance etc.
Outside of work there are many additional opportunities for apprentices such as the mandated outward bounds week which is a test to say the least, there is also the opportunity to enrol onto the German exchange programme as well as the numerous charity events and visits within the apprentice community.
Yes
BAE Systems is an excellent place to earn whilst you learn, the development of my professionalism and my interpersonal skills is something I feel will remain with me throughout the entirety of my working career and beyond, enabling me to strive and prosper whether that may be remaining within the business or external to the company. I have also made some truly great friends who will last a lifetime.
My only tip would be to not be afraid of the possibility of not succeeding, apply with confidence if you believe the career is right for you and you're half way there! The application process is rigorous however this is only a good thing as it allows you to be aware that if you are accepted onto the scheme you will be working with people of a similar calibre to yourself which will again aid your development endlessly.
Details
Level 3 Apprenticeship
Business Operations
North West
March 2018