Engineering Technician Apprentice Review

Following the first year, which is full time at college, apprentices work 3-4 days a week in the business environment, which can involve design, safety engineering, testing & commissioning and liason between design & manufacture. It is expected of your placement contacts that they provide you with meaningful work to complete, and provide training and support during your time in their department. One day a week during 2nd and 3rd year is spent at college.

The most important skill I've learnt is communication, specifically knowing how to ask a good question of a responsible engineer when trying to obtain information. I've also gained an HNC in Engineering Systems, and an SVQ Level 3.

I'm loving the programme - every day I feel challenged, but not to the extent where I feel I can't cope. The tasks you are assigned to do can be equally as challenging and demanding as those assigned to more senior engineers in your team. There's always time for a laugh in the office, with plenty of jokes flying around. if there's ever a problem, senior manager's doors are always open, and it's easy to send them a message and try and arrange a face-to-face meeting with them.

BAE Systems have gone to great lengths to ensure that apprentices feel valued and welcome in the business - You are recognised through various means, including an annual nationwide Apprenticeship Award, and outstanding contributions can be published in the company intranet or public website. We have a dedicated training officer, who is dedicated to mentoring our group of apprentices (albeit all four year groups) through our time in the business, and is always willing to be in your corner should conflict arise.

The programme has a set learning structure, with 1st year at college, 2nd and 3rd years in the business 3-4 days a week and day release college, then 4th year full time in the business. Upon the commencement of 2nd year, you are assigned a placement plan which has been designed in cooperation with the departments you are going to be visiting. however, it isn't fixed, ad you are free to arrange new or altered placements if you so choose. There is a 3 day induction to the course in the week prior to starting 1st year, as well as regular meetings with your training officer.

The senior lecturers at college are always there to support you - if you can't find them for a face-to-face meeting, you can leave them a note and they will get in touch with you at the earliest opportunity. They liase with the company when appropriate, to ensure any support given is mirrored in the business.

Our training officer has always been available for any questions, concerns or problems should they arise. There is also an occupational health team, and an external occupational health provider which is free for employees, including apprentices, to use at any time. When I needed support during my first year, my training officer ensured that I had immediate access to all the information I needed, and made sure he had follow-up meetings with myself to ensure the problem had been solved.

The salary in the apprenticeship is extremely competitive. I have had to move out to start the apprenticeship, which was due to my living over 200 miles away previous. However, I have been able to manage to rent a flat and own a car on the salary without any major issues. There is plenty of advice available on any travel expenses or costs, with car share schemes available and actively promoted. There is also an annual performance-based bonus which helps offset unexpected costs throughout the year.

The company actively supports STEM events, with many events running throughout the year. This could involve anything from a few hours commitment, to an event spread out over many months. The company also offers competitive discounts for employees for anything from utilities, holidays, gym memberships, restaurants etc.

Yes

The apprenticeship is incredibly competitive, in terms of entry requirements, quality of training and salary - therefore, even if the company doesn't quite meet your expectations during your apprenticeship and you decide not to stay, your apprenticeship is seen highly by other employers. However, the work culture and atmosphere is such that almost everyone would feel right at home, feel valued and enjoy their work here.

The entire application process is extremely slick and well organised, with all information given to you. The only advice I would give is that if your assessment day is in Glasgow, double check the address, as it could be in a training centre a few hundred metres from the shipyard itself.