Engineering Technician Apprentice Review

My job title is an "engineering technician apprentice" and I am currently working on the type 26 programme. I am currently in "Production design" so I have to calculate how units of the ship can be transported around the site. These units weigh at least 10 tonnes so it is very important that the calculations are correct.

I earned my HNC Engineering systems and my SVQ level 2 in my first year when I was in college full time. We were moved on site this year (2nd) and have day release in college where I am currently working towards my HNC mechanical engineering qualification. In my 3rd year I will complete a HND in either Engineering systems or Mechanical engineering. By the end on 4th year I will also have a SVQ level 3 qualification.

I am enjoying this programme very much. It can be challenging but this is good as it keeps you on your toes and always learning. Everyone I have worked with always tries to help if they can. I came into the apprenticeship straight out of secondary school so it was quite the change coming from that to an office environment but I feel everyone was helpful.

I do feel valued. Managers give you jobs that have to be done within a time frame. When I complete jobs I feel valued as I complete an important task.

My programme is quite well structured. The 1st year was full time at college, year 2 and 3 we have 4 month placements in various areas of the business and at the end of the 3rd year we get put in to our anchor placements. This is what we will be doing for the rest of the apprenticeship. We have a training officer and if we have any questions about the programme he is always free to answer them.

When we were in college full time it was very easy to get hold of any lecturer. However since we are only in one day a week now this can be challenging. When you do get in contact with them they are always very helpful and try to support to best they can.

Our training officer is always available to help whenever we need it.

The salary of this apprenticeship is very good with a starting salary of £15,500. By the end of the 4 years I will be earning roughly £30,000 per year. this makes it one of the best paying apprenticeships available.

Having an apprenticeship qualifies you for a NUS card which gives you discounts in various shops. Being an employee of BAE also gives you employees discounts in various things like 10% off package holidays though certain travel agents. There is also an Apprentice council which organises various events that raise money for charities.

Yes

Completing an apprenticeship through BAE means that you gain very valuable real world experience that university cannot give you. At the end of the 4 years you may be asked to complete a university course as well so this would mean you could be qualified to the same level as someone who did go to university, as well as having the real world experience behind you. All this while you are being paid.

Make sure you leave yourself plenty of time to complete the application. it is very competitive so your application has to be perfect. the assessments days consist of a presentation, formal interview and a couple of simple team building. ensure you have some knowledge about the company and what projects it has previously worked on and what it is currently working on.