Nuclear Higher Apprentice Review

I am a Nuclear Higher Apprentice at BAE Systems which involves a whole range of different activities. I move around the business, seeing different placements, every 3 or 6 months depending on the placement that I am in. I started off with looking at how we can implement the lessons that we have learned from the previous times we have built our submarines, in the aim of reducing the critical path of the build. I was therefore part of a team which saved the business time and therefore money. My second placement was a world away from my first: Operations. I was now part of a team that actually built the Reactor Plant. Although I didn't necessary contribute in building the plant, I was able to support the team where necessary and I was given responsibility within the team as well. Working here gave me job satisfaction and appreciation for those who working operations. Thirdly, I was also part of a team which was looking at the sequences of build for the next generation of boats. This was also very exciting and I felt that what I did actually impacted the business and will aid the business in the years to come. Currently, I am now part of the Site Safety Case team which is one of the most important parts of the business as without it we will not have our site license. As well as work, I am also one of the leads of Nuclear Scholars which looks to minimise the Nuclear skills gap and to de-stigmatise the industry. This means that I lead the organisation of visiting local schools and colleges where we present and teach them about the history of nuclear and also their Nuclear Physics modules.

One day a week we travel to Blackpool and the Fylde College where we attend college. We are currently on our level 5 course. I have developed my understanding of mechanics and electrical engineering which have both built on my knowledge from A-Level. We cover beam bending and deflection, simplifying electrical circuits and also about Nuclear reactors where we examined the events at nuclear accidents such as Three Mile Island, Fukushima, Windscale and Chernobyl. Within work I have also been on several training courses designed to facilitate my understanding within my placements. These relate to the plant and also understanding the importance of maintaining quality. I have also had the chance to build on my communication skills within the team demonstrated by 'managing my manager' and leadership skills demonstrated through Nuclear Scholars.

I really enjoy my programme and I am very glad to have decided to come and apply for this job. This is my first job so to be able to be learning on the job, to gain 5 years of work experience, to be paid to work, to have my education paid for, to develop my competencies and to also reap the rewards of being a student, I would say it is the best programme. I made no mistake in applying: the work is also exciting and to know that I am part of the programme of building submarines is something that is very satisfying.

I do feel valued by my Placement managers which is clear when it comes to my reviews at the end of the placement and during my 12 weekly reviews. I have consistently received positive feedback from them. We receive a lot of recognition when we visit our local colleges and they always leave us with good feedback as well.

During my first week to the business we had a week of induction where we met other people who are also starting the business on their respective Higher Apprentice/Graduate schemes. This was a well structured week where we learned a lot more about the business we were joining. This was followed up by a Nuclear Induction where we met those that were currently on the Nuclear Scheme. Since then I have had a lot of assurance about the structure of the scheme which is supported by having mentor meetings, placement manager catch ups, Nuclear forums and Discipline manager catch ups.

Our training provider is very supportive and we have a lot of contact time between the tutor and the class. They are very supportive and there is always someone we can go to should we need support in our college work. The quality of teaching is to a high standard and is high enough to feel that I am being pushed enough.

There is a lot of support around our apprenticeship. We have a large number of people that we can talk to should we need support. This ranges from the Early Careers team to our mentors. There is a large focus on mental health and ensuring that we are all coping mentally as well as physically with the transition from College to work.

The salary package exceeds my expectations and since my arrival in Sept. 2016 I have had a pay rise as well as a rise from the worm of the trade unions. I currently live at home with my parents still and I know that when the time is right I will be able to get on the property ladder whilst also support myself financially. The location is most ideal for me: it is only 5 minutes away by bike.

Yes, there is a dedicated social team who plan key events such as the Induction week night out, Christmas trainee night out and other charity events as well. As a Nuclear function we also have regular get together and meal outs. I still am able to enjoy long bike rides and I still attend the same classes that I did when I wasn't working such as French.

Yes

There are so many benefits to working at BAE Systems. One is the nature and complexity of the work, the development opportunities, the salary, the learning and training courses, debt free university, 5 years work experience and student perks! The best part for me is the location of the site from my home and the fact that I can leave home feeling that I have contributed something worthwhile.

I would advise others applying to be prepared for their assessment centre. This means preparing different times when they have worked as a team to overcome a challenging situation or even a changing situation. Act professionally but more importantly friendly as this will put you at ease and will allow you to be natural.