Engineering technician Review

Currently I am in detail design, where we generate the model and drawings of the ships. The drawings are then passed on to production so the ships can be built. I will receive tasks from my immediate manager, and each day can be very different. I work closely with others in my team to ensure the necessary work is completed.

I am learning something new everyday while in the work place. This can be specifically engineering related or it can be other skills that are useful outside of the workplace, like teamwork, communication and organisation. I am also learning whilst in college working towards my HND in mechanical Engineering qualification.

I enjoy the programme very much, as stated the work can be quite varied which keeps me interested. I also feel like apprentices are very well supported in the business, with someone always able to help if you are having any kind of issue. I feel like I will be bale to achieve my full potential while here.

I feel well valued in BAE systems. I do not get treated differently from the rest of the team because I am an apprentice, I feel like a part of the team and they treat me fairly. They give me challenging tasks which helps me improve and become better at my job.

The programme is well structured. I spent the 1st year full time in Glasgow Clyde college earning my HNC in engineering systems as well as my SVQ level 2. In my 2nd year I spent 4 days a week in the business, and one day a week in college earning my HNC in Mechanical Engineering. While in the business I have 4 month placements in various departments.

I receive good support from my training provider. The one day a week I am in it is a very beneficial day, and I can usually get hold of most lecturers as long as they are in the college. When I am not in college I can also access the VLE or email lecturers directly.

I receive good support form my employer. not only do I have my line manager in whichever placement I am in, I also have a training officer, who try's to support apprentices in any way he can. Either are always available to discuss any problems I have and how best to deal with them.

The salary for this apprenticeship is one of the higher apprenticeship salaries. It usually meets within my costs. It will cover my travel costs i.e. car maintenance and petrol with money left over to go into my savings, pension and shares scheme. As well as any other costs I have.

Yes. There are many charitable opportunities, one of which is helping out the CHAS association, where every apprentice went and helped maintain their garden by painting, general gardening and making play structures. We also get the opportunity to help in STEM activities encouraging young people to get involved in Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths.

Yes

Because of all of the reasons previously stated, the opportunities, the qualification, being paid well while learning both on and off the job, the organisation and the support we receive from our training officer, training provider and line managers. BAE is also a very good company to become a part of due to its wide range of fields it is involved in.

If you are interested in entering the engineering field I would recommend joining the scheme. Ensure you apply with plenty of time to ensure to get your application to the highest level. It is very competitive so you have to make sure that your application is the best it can be.