Nuclear Higher Apprentice Review

My role is a nuclear higher apprentice which involves undertaking 3 - 6 month placements within various departments within the business. Daily tasks vary from placement to placement depending on the function for example Safety or Engineering. I am responsible for covering competencies throughout my placements through completion of my objectives which are set out before the start of my placement. Some more responsibility is given depending on placement managers and the importance / difficulty of work.

I am currently working towards a BEng (Honours) Nuclear Engineering at Blackpool and the Fylde College (through Lancaster University). I have a attended a few internal training courses but more should be offered which would greatly improve my apprenticeship. the main thing I have developed through work is my professionalism and my confidence is increasing as I pass through the scheme. A few external courses have also been offered but only a small number of places are available.

The enjoyment of the scheme varies greatly from placement to placement. Some teams offer you much more work and more responsibility which aids development and also makes the working week more enjoyable. It overall met my expectations but I would have preferred a better college considering I had the option to go to many top universities before I joined the company.

I don't feel particularly valued for the work I do with no recognition. I have been involved in some projects which are quite important in the business and received no recognition apart from the same competency sign off. Some good feedback is given from placements but this never finds its way to early careers.

The scheme is very structured with a full company induction followed by an induction to you function. Training is one area where improvement is required. Support is given in your placement, function and centrally through early careers. Each placement is mapped out to ensure you visit all core areas of the business. there are regular 12 weekly reviews to review progress over last 12 weeks.

Some support is given from our college however they seem sometimes forgetful in helping us with issues, with some issues taking a while to resolve. there are certain individuals who are more than happy to help. We have a class representative to help raise any issues the class has with college and perhaps even outside of college.

Lots of support is given in your placement, function and centrally through early careers. A mentor is assigned to each new start to help them settle in the business and to give advice and guidance. There is a very supporting attitude in the company with an emphasis on teamwork. Everyone is encouraged to ask questions if they need help and there is a way to raise issues further if need be.

I currently still live at home so the salary more than meets my current costs however it may be tight if I lived way from home. I drive into work and travel and daily costs are fine. There are yearly reviews to review pay uplift in line with your achievement for the year. The location of the site is in a fairly cheap area to live compared with cities etc.

There are many opportunities outside of work with stretch assignments. I am also a STEM ambassador so I can visit and do events at local schools to further my development. Awards events and conferences are also available however have limited spaces. Nights out and social events are regularly organised between your current placement team and also within the apprentice community. there are also various sports clubs in the local area.

Yes

Its a good place to work with plenty of support available if you need it. It offers a wide range of academic opportunities e.g. degree schemes. The starting salary is good with a chance to increase this yearly. I would especially recommend this to local people as the company is so important to the town and surrounding area.

I would advise anybody interested in STEM subjects to apply for a scheme within BAE systems. The interviews however suit people who are very vocal so confidence is required. Prepare well for the assessment centre / interview and do research. It provides good experiences / opportunities and is a great start to your career with many progression opportunities. I would have like to have been told some examples of placements and information on the college course before I started.