Commercial Estimator Review

My role within the business is in the Commercial function. There are multiple different types of jobs in commercial and we do many different things. I am a cost estimator. In my job, I help put together an estimated cost and price for amendments on the Eurofighter Typhoon. Our past customers send in a request for change and a request for a quotation. We ask our engineers how long they need and our suppliers how much other things cost (procurement) and we price it all up. I work with a team and we do all of our estimates together - giving feedback and support in a consolidated approach. I also deal with external stakeholders such as the UK MoD and Eurofighter Consortium. Outside of work I take part in extra curricular activities such as charity football games and being a member of the Prince's Trust scheme.

Since I have joined my apprenticeship I have gained a plethora of skills and confidence. I have improved on my people skills and my own personal management/ organisation. This is my first experience in the workplace, therefore, I have learned what it means to be an employee now and understand the importance of what it means to be employed and what is expected of my by my employer. I have started my qualification in Business Administration and I am due to start my project management diploma this summer.

I am really enjoying my time with BAE Systems and I know that this is the only employer I want to work for. My work is interesting and engages my brain in a way that keeps me interested. My office is filled with brilliant and supportive people that make coming into work more enjoyable. The company culture is also brilliant. There is an ethos that the company looks after its employees and I feel valued, secure and as though I have a long-term employer here.

The offices and early career teams make us feel as though we are like other employees. I am made to feel like my opinion matters and I gain support, guidance and praise from my manager on a regular basis. I have also been allowed the opportunity to do things I would have never done before I came here - allowed the potential opportunity o study at University as a sponsored candidate, see amazing technology and take part in events at the company that show our importance to the business.

The Induction was very informative and gave me everything I needed before I went into the workplace. Since, I have received the highest level of training and have been invested in dramatically by the company. We have college weeks every 6 weeks where we receive support in our studying by two highly qualified members of staff that help us as mentors as well as teachers. In the workplace, we are assigned a line/ direct manager who feeds into other levels of command. This gives us a good understanding of hierarchy and helps establish who should be delegated what task, by whom and when. It is a well organised and thought out system.

As an Apprentice I receive a vast amount of support from our Early Careers team and constantly feel as though I have support. I know I have multiple people I can go to talk to about issues I have and they are all approachable and give brilliant advice. Anybody is accessible by a simple phone call and more than willing to have a meet and chat in the ASK facility.

I receive a lot of support from my managers, team members and mentors. I meet with my assessor every 12 weeks to catch up on how my experience is going. She also does regular check-ins on us whenever she is around. My manager is always available for support and anyone in my team is also. I am given advice and tips ,constantly, to help my development in the business.

The salary is competitive and is very rewarding to our contributions. It is incremental and based on criteria so it acts as a real incentive to be at our best. For me, my salary is perfect for my style of living and gives me enough money cover my costs and have enough money to enjoy my leisure time and enjoy my wages. We also get travel payments which also help cover my addition costs and I see it as a very admirable thing that we get travel pay because a lot of companies do not include this in a paycheque.

Outside of work, there are plenty of things we can become involved with. The company hosts events such as award ceremonies and balls. There are also many activities that are not internal to the company such as - the Prince's Trust, Outward Bound and numerous charity events we can attend. We are encouraged to become involved with as many activities as possible as they help with our development. We are encouraged to take part in these activities through workshops and mandatory events that are put in place to encourage us to volunteer.

Yes

BAE Systems is an employer that looks after its own and has numerous benefits and an ethos and community that makes work enjoyable.

I would suggest that applicants research as much as they can before they have interviews. I would also say that it is important to let your personality come out in the interview days. As a company we look for characteristics in our employees and we look for the following qualities, being; Trusted, Innovative and Bold.