Engineering Technician Apprentice Review

I am currently based in the T&C team within BAE Systems and I am working on the OPV project. My current role involves me working with a number of different engineers within the team and help with the testing and commissioning of different systems and machinery on board the ships.

I have learnt a lot of new skills during my apprenticeship so far. As I came straight in to the apprenticeship from school I had little to no knowledge on ships and ship building in general. however, I have now learned a lot more about this, as well as improving my communication and teamwork amongst others.

I very much enjoy the programme that I am a part of. Within this apprenticeship I have been given the opportunity to complete 2 different HNC qualifications as well as currently working towards my HND, whilst at the same time, working with a number of different engineers on many different exciting jobs.

I feel very valued by BAE Systems. During my time in the apprenticeship so far I feel like I have been given increased responsibilities as my skills and knowledge have improved. I have also worked with many different engineers and managers, and each of them have treated me very well.

I feel like the programme is very well structured. In the first year of the apprenticeship, we attended college full time to develop our skills and understanding of the industry, then for the second and third years of the apprenticeship, we attend college once a week while working the other 4, and in 4th year we work 5 days a week and I feel like this is a very good structure.

I receive a lot of support from my training provider BAE Systems. Every 12 weeks we have a meeting between ourselves, our line manager and our training officer to ensure that we are doing ok and to discuss the progress that has been made during that 12 week period of review. Also both our line manager and our training officer are available for support anytime if need be.

I receive a lot of support from my employer BAE Systems. Every 12 weeks we have a meeting between ourselves, our line manager and our training officer to ensure that we are doing ok and to discuss the progress that has been made during that 12 week period of review. Also both our line manager and our training officer are available for support anytime if need be.

The salary that I receive meets my costs of living well. As I have come into this apprenticeship straight from school, this salary allows me to comfortably meet my daily living costs such as accommodation and my car, as well as having some money left over to be able to spend on other things.

Yes, so far in my apprenticeship I have been given many opportunities outside of work such as completing 2 HNC qualifications as well as a further HND qualification. We also completed a week at outward bound, which was used to increase team working within the apprenticeship programme which was very useful.

Yes

I would recommend joining the BAE Systems apprenticeship programme to a friend as during my time here, I have learned a lot about mechanical engineering, have gained 2 HNC qualifications and am working towards an HND qualification, all while working on the job and getting paid. Also the apprentices are very well treated and you will be working for a great company.

Some of the tips and advice that I would give to someone that was going to apply to BAE Systems is to do your research on the business before you go, and just to make sure that you know about and are able to apply the 3 principles: Trusted, Bold, Innovative.