Apprentice Designer Review

My role as an apprentice mechanical designer is to primarily design all of the pipework within the submarine. This involves having to route the pipes, make sure they are securely supported, and then communicate with other design teams to make sure there are no clashes with other systems. Output drawings also need to produced so that the pipe fabricators can make the pipes.

One of the main skills I have learned is how to operate the design system. I have learned this by attending several internal training courses. Another skill that I have developed is communication. Many times I have had to contact other people within the business, through either phone, email or face to face, to talk about issues regarding design.

I really enjoy the apprenticeship BAE offers. I think you receive a lot of support and guidance from the Early Careers team which really helps. I have been on two teams so far and both teams again have been really supportive and have given me lots of work in order for me to develop as a designer.

I do feel valued within the company. On my last team I received great feedback from my project leader and because of this, allowed me to win apprentice of the month which is a recognition scheme internally. Whilst I have been on the 2 teams, I have been given work that has direct impact on the design of the submarine which makes you feel valued as you can be trusted.

The programme is very well organised and structured. An induction is given straight away when you come on site and also you are given large amounts of training both on how to use the design system, and on other things within the company so that you know exactly what to do. Every 6 weeks learner reviews are given to you to show how you are progressing and how to improve in anyway.

I receive massive amounts of support from my training provider. They are always there if you have any problems at all and if they can help you progress as a designer in any way, they will do. If you have an issue that they can not resolve, then they will always pass you onto someone that can. I really like the support I am given and I think it really helps me.

Again, I receive lots of support from my employer. On the teams I have been on so far, If I have had any problems at all they have been there to help me, and if I have been struggling in any way, then they have gone through the task with me again to make sure I understand it. The general attitude to support I think is really positive within the company.

I think my salary definitely meets my costs. For just being an apprentice I think the salary is really good. It satisfies the living costs I have and with only living around 10 minutes away, travel costs are not a lot either. I think my lifestyle is very good for my age and it is because of the wage I receive.

I am aware there are opportunities outside of work. There are company events you can be involved in such as open days for school leavers. Other opportunities include becoming a STEM ambassador which involves going into schools and teaching them about engineering. BAE also offers discounts at the local gym which has lead me to join.

Yes

I think it is a great company to work for as it can lead to many opportunities both internally and externally, and the mind set of the people who work here mean you can really progress as a designer due to the support you receive. The wage is also really good.

With the application process, just put down as much information about yourself as possible. With the interview, make sure that the project you have to talk about is really thorough and that you have created a folder with lots of information about it. Design needs to be incorporated into it as much as possible. With the assessment day, try and get involved as much as possible, however do not try and take too much control of the team.