Systems Higher Apprentice Review

I am a Systems Higher Apprentice and my role is based around Systems Engineering. In general systems engineering is about using your knowledge of the system as a whole and applying that to make sure that all the systems within systems will function together properly. Currently this involves working on system requirements to ensure they are fulfilled and meet the customers expectation. I have daily interaction with my team as well as with members of other teams that take input from me or give input to me. I am responsible for making sure requirements documents are up to date and correct. Day to day I spend time working on documents or in requirements management tools and liaising with others regarding their requirements.

I have learnt a lot about systems engineering processes for example the V model and the important of verification/validation and testing; as well as requirements management and it's importance to any engineering activity. I have also developed my existing knowledge of computer environments and hardware. I have undertaken various internal training courses including product safety and export control. I am currently undertaking a Java training course internally and have gained qualification for using the relevant requirements management tools.

Overall I enjoy the programme. The work environment is the best I have encountered and I am clearly a valued member of the team. Although the work is less 'hands on' than I would have expected, which I would say is a negative, I still enjoy what I am required to do and it is still an important role to fill considering it involves working on something as important as the nuclear deterrant. The benefit of this programme is the opportunity to experience placements in multiple areas of the business, so it is possible to find a more hands on area should you so desire. The company culture is very good, everyone clearly cares about their jobs and it is a pleasure to be able to work among, and gain advice from industry professionals who are the best at what they do.

From the get go I have felt valued by both my team and the company as a whole. The work I am responsible for is important and essential to my team's programme of work and so I am really getting involved with it. Furthermore, I receive quality feedback from my managers which recognises the areas I am doing well in, whilst giving me constructive feedback on how to improve. Not only this, but the company as a whole invests so much into your on going professional development (e.g. paying for your education as one example) that it's impossible not to feel valued.

Overall very well organised. The induction is difficult as it is a massive learning curve, and you are very much thrown in the deep end requiring you to adsorb a lot of information quite quickly. However, there is a lot of internal training provided through the dedicated online training portal to help you, and there is always someone who you can ask if you are stuck with anything. You are given a 'buddy' right from the start, who is a higher apprentice who has already been with the business for at least a year, and this is really valuable for learning your way around everything. There are dedicated people you can talk to regarding your programme and placements within the business, and it is always clear what targets you have and what you should be doing to reach them.

There are regular catch up meetings with your tutor to ensure you are on track and that you are doing well. There are people who you can speak to if you have any problems, and although I haven't needed to, I get the impression there is a support network there if I need it.

A good amount. I have regular meetings with my direct manager regarding my targets and what I need to be doing to meet those targets. This is where I can raise any issues I am having. There are also monthly meetings specifically regarding the apprenticeship programme and what issues anyone is facing - this allows people from all sites to state any issues. The central apprenticeship team provide reviews to assess your performance and also take advice on how we feel they should be working differently. There is a lot of communication and a good amount of support.

I live at home and so living costs aren't very high. However, the salary is very competitive and I can't see why anyone would have any issues living on their own and funding a social life. Adding to this, there is a standardised pay rise scheme, with explicit targets to meet to qualify for them. Pay rises take place once a year and can only be described as very generous.

The company sponsors STEM based activities and volunteering outside of work so there are always opportunities to work with the community and promote STEM/BAE Systems. There are also Christmas / Summer parties and things such as raffles to get involved with - there is always something going on if you choose to get involved. There is also a gym onsite available at a discounted rate.

Yes

It is too good of an opportunity to turn down. To have your education fully paid for whilst working for a globally recognised company building some of the worlds most complex machines, working with the industry's best professionals all whilst getting paid a competitive salary is something that I feel very lucky to be a part of. There is real opportunity for career progression after the programme - if you want a career in the STEM/Defence industry I can think of no better company.

Be prepared for the interview/assessment centres get to them. Once you start, be ready to take in a lot of information; take a notepad everywhere. Don't be afraid to ask questions. Try and complete the mandatory training ASAP. Always look for ways you can professionally develop yourself. Get involved with STEM activities and volunteering.