Engineering Degree Apprentice Review

I am an Engineering Degree Apprentice on the Aerospace scheme. My average work week consists of 4 days within the business working in my placement and 1 day at Blackpool and the Fylde College Studying an Aerospace Engineering degree. During my time within the business I will complete 6 placements each lasting 5 months. Throughout each placement I will familiarise myself with the department/discipline and begin to understand how the business and each department operates. This is a great opportunity to see different sides of the business.

In terms of qualifications, the scheme has allowed me to study a degree as well as gain a Level 4 NVQ. I have also completed a Level 2 qualification in hand fitting techniques. As well as these qualifications, I have completed numerous internal training courses such as ELLA which teaches participants how to work efficiently. I have also undertaken a team building experience at Outward Bound. My professional skills, such as networking and timekeeping, have greatly improved as well as personal skills like confidence and people skills.

The work/life balance of the scheme is excellent and the actual work that is set for apprentices is enjoyable. The company environment as a whole is really friendly and welcoming and all the employees and teams that I have worked with have been extremely kind and helpful. It more than met my expectations and I couldn’t imagine working for a company that does a better job at making all employees feel welcome. I would say that I thoroughly enjoy the programme.

BAE Systems make it clear to all of the apprentices on a regular basis that we are the future of the company and that it is imperative that we get the most out of our apprenticeship so that we can progress to become better, more professional engineers. This means that apprentice involvement in big projects is very good and the majority of jobs that are done by an apprentice will be worthwhile and enjoyable as well as beneficial to the company.

Due to the fact that I was part of the very first intake of Engineering Degree Apprentices the structure was very much a work in progress. However, despite this fact, the course has been as streamlined as possible and any transition periods within the apprenticeship have been smooth. The Early Careers team also setup a number of reviews and meetings to gauge an apprentice’s progression and also to ensure that they are happy in their current role. This is something that works very well and is effective for both the company and for the apprentice.

The training that I receive from my training provider is usually good and any questions or problems that I have had in the past have been answered properly with advice on what to do in the future if the problem should persist. However there have been a few instances where I have requested feedback on an assignment/exam and it has been slightly vague. However this is a minor problem and shouldn't take away from the good amount of support that is provided by Blackpool and the Fylde College.

My employer provides all the support I could possibly need. If I have an issue at home or within the workplace I immediately know exactly who to contact about it. They also support my progression by providing relevant experiences/training and ensuring that my time during the apprenticeship is as productive as possible. By setting up and carrying out a number of reviews and meetings each placement, they ensure that I am enjoying my placement and also finding it to be worthwhile.

My salary meets my needs in every way possible. It covers both my living and travel costs as well as daily costs such as food and other living essentials. Due to my salary I am able to fully support myself as well as save money to buy a house in the near future. The salary also supports any social activities and allows me to go on holiday multiple times a year if I should choose to. This is definitely a big advantage that the apprenticeship provides over going to university.

There are a number of opportunities outside of work as I have experienced for myself. I recently went to an air show in Fairford to help man the Early careers stand that BAE Systems had set up there. It was a fantastic experience and allowed me to help other young people who are looking at what they want to do following on from college. I found the event to be extremely rewarding. There is also a number of sports teams and other clubs that you can get involved in.

Yes

The apprenticeship has given me more opportunities than I could ever ask for and I would recommend it to anyone who is interested in having a future working for an engineering company. The skills and qualifications that I have gained while being at BAE Systems will be hugely beneficial for the rest of my career and I would not have been able to do the things that I have done if it weren't for the apprenticeship.

I would make sure that you give 110% to every part of the application process whether that be the online application or the interview. The application process is extremely competitive so it is essential that you give your every effort to ensure you have the best chance of success.