Technical Engineering Apprentice Review

In my day to day role at BAE Systems, I undertake a wide variety of engineering tasks. I am a Technical Engineering Apprentice, so spend most of my time in the offices however do get onto the shop floor from time to time. I have the opportunity to get involved with some high profile projects and help other engineering staff.

Since starting the apprenticeship I have developed a number of skills. I have already completed my Aeronautical Engineering Level 3, and I am now working towards my HNC in mechanical Engineering. At work I am completing my NVQ level 3. As an apprentice I constantly get the opportunity to develop my skills through internal and external courses.

The apprenticeship I am completing with BAE Systems is very interesting and enjoyable. As I get the opportunity to help out on some of the big projects, I get certain responsibilities allowing me to feel connected to the work. Everyone is friendly and therefor the atmosphere leads work to be a nice place to be. This was better than I expected as starting new jobs and meeting new people all the time can be daunting.

I feel particularly valued at BAE Systems, the type of work that I am exposed too allows me to get fully involved and feel like a part of the team. Everyone is very friendly and you can appreciate how much they value the apprentices. Apprentices are recognised for their good work, with awards and recognition. I was fortunate enough to get invited to the Apprentice Awards for a project I was doing with some other apprentices.

The program I am on is well organised and set out well in advance so that everyone knows what placements they will be in throughout the whole year. Our training manager is always on time with reviews and objectives setting. Our college days which we do externally run every week where we receive lots of support from the teachers. Any support we require we will receive very quickly.

Our training provider is very thorough and helpful meaning we get ample levels of support. During our assigned college day each week we can receive support from any of the lecturers and the way the day is set out allows us time to seek this if we require. If anyone is struggling on the course, the teachers are always on hand to help and give any extra advice or tuition.

As an employer BAE Systems look after their apprentices very well our HR Manager and Training manager will help and give their time wherever they can. As they are all on site, we can go see them if required, call or send an email and they will try resolve the issues as best they can. All of the placements I have been in during my time at BAE Systems, the mentors have been very helpful and cater well for apprentices.

The salary we receive as apprentices at BAE Systems is good and has covered me enough to buy a house and live easily. Each year we receive pay increments as long as we are on track without apprenticeship. However regardless, the pay is good and is easily enough to live and give enough disposable income to be comfortable.

The company constantly gives apprentices the opportunity to help take part in charity work and volunteering work. Through BAE Systems we get the opportunity to be STEM ambassadors and help around schools promoting maths, science and technology to young people. With BAE Systems we get discounts too many things around the local area, including gyms and shops. When I'm not working I like to go to the local gym which I receive a discount from through work.

Yes

BAE Systems is a fantastic company to work for, with plenty of benefits and lots of support to help you progress in your career. The company highly value their apprentices and the opportunities which you are given at BAE Systems are of great help towards your apprenticeship. Apprentice salary is very good compared to what other companies offer.

To apply for BAE Systems, there is an application form and some online tests which you will be required to undertake, if successful from this point you will then be invited to an interview. Make sure the application you produce is the best possible representation of yourself, make sure you spend some time on it. Any work experience of engineering work will look good on your application.