Software Degree Apprentice Review

My role within BAE Systems is as a Aerospace Software Degree Apprentice. Day to day I complete a variety of tasks in a real working environment and am treated as a normal employee - with the understanding that I simply don't know everything, as an apprentice I'm here to learn. My daily work varies depending on the project I'm working on and throughout my time here I should experience all stages of the software development life cycle - design - requirements - development - testing, etc. 1.5 days a week I attend college to complete a degree.

Everyday I gain on the job experience and learn a variety of things; ranging from how to behave in a professional, office environment, to the technical skills required for the job. Skill learnt at work support those at college and vice versa. We complete multiple training courses a year from lean learning (ELLA) to respect and banter training. The apprenticeship has offered lots of training, but courses tend to be far from my home site and involve lots of travelling; I'm not sure all courses have been beneficial.

I enjoy everyday work along side my colleagues and get given a variety of tasks to expand my experience and knowledge; each team I've been a part of have been understanding and accepting. The organisation of the scheme is a bit lacking, but it's new, so can be expected. This lack of organisation around college and qualifications has brought on lots of stress and uncertainty within both work and personal lives - effecting my enjoyment of the programme. Poor quality teaching at college has also effected this, but with support from BAE Systems, they seem to be improving. Overall, I've enjoyed my time here.

As an employee at BAE Systems I feel valued and that the work I undertake and complete is appreciated and valued. Each team member I have worked with over various projects has also made me feel valued and not just an apprentice! We have apprentice awards within BAE Systems, this help highlight achievements and show value to employees.

We had a worthwhile induction week on first joining the company that gave an overall perspective on the scale and uses of the software we develop. Additional training courses that we attend seem to be well organised. The plan for qualification training(the degree) seems to be very poorly organised and uncertain. This has been left last minute and we haven't been kept properly up-to date on progress. There is support in place for the apprentices, but safeguarding support seems to be based on another site. 12 week review always take place and are well organised and structured. I hope to see the organisation of the scheme to improve as more years enter and exit.

The college this year has seen many improvements over the past month with lessons being taught, although there are still issues with timings of assignments. When required my tutors have been supportive and helped if deadline extensions were needed for personal reasons, they were understating and accommodating. The lecturers understand the pressures with working and attending college and tend to take these into account.

My employer offers flexible working hours that offer support to your personal life and activities outside of work. There are safeguarding officers in place that can be approached with issues that you may have, but the dedicated person is based on another site so talking in person doesn't occur often. the company offer an Employee Assistance Programme to all employees, this would be a great help when support is needed.

My salary covers all the costs I need for living including bills, housing, other necessities, travel costs and social costs. There is a pay rise scheme in place that recognises progress through the apprenticeship. when needed, all expenses are paid, for work travel, etc. and are flexible to meet the needs of the individual, with a clear policy in place.

There are many opportunities outside of the workplace herein Yeovil. Ranging from lunch time football or sign language lessons to evening social events. Each project will have a Christmas event that is open to all and we have various apprentice arranged events, including charity go karting. There are opportunities within the apprentice community and wider work office.

Yes

The apprenticeship offers more than going to university. All fees are paid and you get a wage. You can gain a degree and work experience, at the end of the apprenticeship, you'll have more than the average graduate. You're not tied into working for BAE Systems after the apprenticeship and can move on if you wish.

Be honest and open throughout the application/interview process and don't panic! and don't be put off by the application process. Show a real interest in the apprenticeship and understand the role and it's tasks before applying. You don't need the existing skills to join the scheme, the qualifications that are accepted are varied and open.