Apprentice Designer Review

On a day to basis, I have many interactions with both those currently on my team and other staff not only in the office and those working at the Barrow site, but in BAE Manchester too. Daily tasks includes sending emails and interacting with other people in the business to help carry out the tasks I have been given. Work done is completed on the computer design system CAD/FORAN. As an apprentice Mechanical Designer, the main role is to route pipes throughout the boat using these computer systems, solving many issues and problems along the way, sometimes these issues can not be solved immediately or by myself, more experienced people are able to sort out the issues.

I have learnt a lot of new skills during my two placements so far since being in the business, this is how to route a pipe, create a drawing, detect clashes and in itself how to use the system. I have many internal courses within the company to help me use the system, without the training I would be unable to complete the jobs. As an external training Furness College have many course such as PREVENT Training that is a mandatory course to attend.

Within the first year of my apprenticeship, I enjoyed going to college however due to the circumstances of some of the tutors I was looking forward to starting in the business and learning new things every day from those that are experienced around me. Now I attend work almost everyday besides the one day at college, I feel as though I am beginning to enjoy my apprenticeship more, however there can be days where here isn't much work and it can be slow.

I do feel valued at BAE Systems and I do feel that my work and effort is noticed, recently I have been nominated for apprentice of the month, this got recognised by not only my manager but was also recognised by the Early Careers team and a well done was sent via email. Any jobs that are completed by myself are also appreciated.

I feel as though that programme is well structured, the training within work is well organised and set on days that I do not have college. The support is also widely available and the college timetable is laid out well. As an apprentice all managers give you work that you are capable of and are always their to offer support if you may need it. The 12 weekly reviews are a good way of letting the careers team know how you are getting on and whether you need an additional support.

I do not feel like the support from the training provider (Furness College) is sufficient enough to help support my learning. I feel as though tutors have a bad attitude to supporting you and if a question is asked their is response is not acceptable. Some tutors resort to asking why you don't understand, and that it is not good enough if you do not understand and need to ask questions. Also, support has not been offered to me at college only at work.

I feel as though I receive enough support from my employer, not only from the Early careers team but also my project leader. I currently have a 12 weekly review the Early Careers team which help me set targets to achieve which the support throughout. They are easily contacted via phone or email or they are happy for you to visit them onsite. The employer also offers help with college work in case it is needed.

The salary does sufficiently meet my costs as an apprentice and for someone my age. I do not need to consider a large amount of travel costs as I live within a 10 minute car journey to the workplace, however if you were travelling a large distance as an apprentice then travel costs be large. Also, I do not need to consider living costs as I do not own a house or I am not renting out a house as a contractor may be doing to live in the area. However, I do believe that you were living as a single parent having to pay for a house and provide for someone else, then as an apprentice I believe that they would struggle considerably.

So far during my apprenticeship I have come across a few opportunities outside of work, this includes a beach clean whilst I was in the first year of my apprenticeship - getting the chance to help improve the community. Also, in the upcoming months there is a chance to attend a STEM meeting and help out with school children.

Yes

I would recommend BAE Systems to a friend, especially as an apprentice. Being an apprentice it gives me a way of learning at college and developing my skills in the workplace. Having one day at college and 4 days in the workplace gives me plenty of time to gain knowledge from those more experienced around me. I would also recommend to friend as it can be mostly a friendly place to work and those around you are often happy to help you. The Early Careers team give the apprentice plenty of support and guidance throughout there whole apprenticeship.

During the application process, I would take your time during the application process and look over previous aptitude tests, this will help you calm during the test as you feel familiar with the questions. During the interview, the project that you take in ensure you fully understand what you are talking about and go over questions you feel as though they may ask you and ensure you know the answer. During the group tasks in the interview ensure you don't take a back seat however try not take full control of the group and do not insist to everyone that you are correct.