Systems Engineer Review

My role within BAE Systems is as a Systems Engineer, being a Systems Engineer is actually quite an undefinable task to date for me but some of my everyday tasks include things such as working on a variety of different computer systems and Submarine equipment. This is great as it is all done internally within our rig system and also going to external sites to work on other projects and equipment that is used there. I have a variety of different responsibilities within this role including taking on my own build tasks, for example, depending on the type of work present, I might be build a DVD drive for a submarine computer or a blade server etc.

I have developed a lot of skills, things such as using my hands to create products and use hand tools but also theoretical knowledge of how a system works and the parts that combine to make it work the way it does etc. I am also getting the opportunity to go to college every Tuesday on day release to obtain my Mechanical Engineering HNC at Farnborough College of technology. As well as this I am doing my NVQ. Internal training consists of a variety of different things ranging from how to use certain types of equipment to systems engineer development schemes.

Very much so, its a great opportunity to learn and develop myself both personally and professionally as well as a great way to enter into the working world. I get the opportunity to work within a team but also on my own, improving both my confidence and my level of responsibility.

Very, they put a lot of effort into their early careers programmes and really value and take care of their apprentices. This ranges from my line manager all the way up to HR and people higher in the company. BAW realises that apprentices are very good for the company and as such treats them like it. We get the opportunity to go on external team building trips to develop ourselves and get to know the rest of our team.

Really well, there is an induction week that is always planned by the previous years' intake of apprentices where they explain everything we need to know. They provide you with plenty of online training as well as opportunities to go on courses for whatever you like, besides mandatory training which is done all at once. They organise and sort everything to do with college and NVQ so that we only have to attend on our allocated days.

On the job, daily training depending on the task being done is really good as they teach us everything we need to know to be able to operate and use the equipment.

Same as above

Better than expected for this age, happy with what I am getting in regards to my life situation - I live at home paying a small amount of rent, drive my own car etc

Lots of social opportunities with other apprentices and graduates as well as the team within work.

Yes

Because its a great way to start your career, with plenty of support from within the company. They're also teaching me loads and giving me plenty of qualifications and training which will benefit me in the long run.

Research the company and what they do, the kind of work you can be expecting to do and be enthusiastic.