Combat Systems Higher Apprentice Review

My role title is Combat systems higher apprentice, this involves varied placements across multiple disciplines such as Software engineering, systems engineering, integration, hardware, requirements, networking. Nearly every day is different, some days id be working on ship and others in the labs on site. towards the end of the 4 year scheme you can pick the role you would like to enter the business in.

I have obtained a HND in computing and systems development - this course contains modules on all aspects of computing (networking, design, development, virtualisation etc). I have developed a vast range of skills through achieving various vendor certifications. my aim is to be a network engineer so I have been sent on various Cisco and Juniper vendor courses. BAE systems has a great concern for H & S so if the role you choose contains work in the shipyard you will be sen ton multiple courses.

The work is very interesting and very unique, not many people can say they work on an aircraft carrier. the team are very supportive and work hard to assure we meet deadlines. BAE Systems is a great company to work for, they support you in career development and individual training needs, they also have unique perks and benefits.

Some placements can make you feel like a valued team member and that the apprentice label doesn't exist due to the responsibility and tasks assigned to you. There has been rare occasions in some placements where because your an apprentice you get dumped with the tasks other engineers don't want to do.

The structure of BAE Systems scheme is excellent, its very useful having multiple 6 month placements then a final year placement in the job role you wish to take on. This ensures your the correct fit. Training is down to the individual, if they want to do vendors for there role they can ask to go on courses. The college course was not very well organised, I think this is down to the college being inexperienced, however BAE would support you and try to resolve any issues you may have with the college.

The college aren't the best at support, it feels like they just want to do the bare minimum required of them. This isn't such a drawback as I feel BAE support me enough that college support isn't relevant to me.

Plenty of support, they are very keen on your safeguarding and individual wellbeing. they will support you through pretty much anything - multiple schemes are in place to ensure employee wellbeing is maintained. this applies across the whole of BAE, whether that be your manager or HR . everyone's always happy to help.

I feel the pay is perfect for the role, if you are doing a placement off site or away from your home site your travel costs are reimbursed. BAE will never leave you short changed when it comes to working away from your home site.

There are many sports clubs, chess clubs etc. Regular social gatherings whether that be with your team or as an group of apprentices or early careers. there are many leadership courses such as outward bound which is a brilliant opportunity.

Yes

Its a great opportunity to work on state of the art defence kit. the opportunities are endless as the company will always support you and provide the paths you require for your development. The work is very interesting.

The advice I would give to potential applicants is to show your motivated in the work that you'll be doing, I'd also advice you to show you 're hard working and dedicated. Research the different products BAE produce and where they operate.