Rating
- 1. Please give an overview of your role and what this involves on a day-to-day basis:
- 2. Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
- 3. To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
- 4. How valued do you feel by BAE Systems?
- 5. How well organised/structured is your programme?
- 6a. How much support do you receive from your training provider?
- 6b. How much support do you receive from your employer?
- 7. How well does your salary/package meet your costs?
- 8. Are there many opportunities outside of work?
- 9. Would you recommend BAE Systems to a friend?
- 9b. Why?
- 10. What tips or advice would you give to others applying to BAE Systems?
My job title is Engineering Technician Apprentice. I am in my first year, which means that I am at college full time, Monday to Friday 9-4:15. In college I am working towards achieving my HNC in Engineering Systems, and my SVQ2 in Preforming Engineering Operations. We are also working on a project outwith the HNC or SQV, where our aim is to design and build the mid-section of a ship.
I am working towards my HNC in Engineering Systems and my SVQ2 in Preforming Engineering Operations. I have learnt a lot of new skills, particularly through the SQV. I am gaining skills in TIG and MIG welding, pipefitting, electrical wiring, and hydraulics and pneumatic systems. Through my HNC I am learning a lot about the theory side of engineering through subjects like Statics, Dynamics, Machine Principles.
I am enjoying my programme a lot. I am getting the chance to learn valuable new skills in subjects that I would never have otherwise gotten the chance to. I enjoy the variety of learning that I am doing - from hands-on, physical tasks, to classroom based learning. I like working with all of the other apprentices, and I am looking forward to Year 2 of my apprenticeship where I am working within the company rather than in college full time.
I feel valued by BAE Systems. As in am in college day to day, I don't see my manager/training officer daily, but he comes to college to see us around once a week, and we have his contact details in case of any problems. I recently had my second review, which went well. Within the college I feel like I am encouraged a lot, and I have been praised when something has gone well or I have achieved a lot.
The programme is well structured. Before my induction, it was not clear what the format was going to be, but the induction showed a clear 4 year plan, outlining what was going to be happening each year. The college course that we are on is relevant to our field and I feel that I am learning a good base of skills that will aid me later on in my apprenticeship.
I receive a lot of support from my training provider. Lecturers are always willing and able to answer any questions or concerns that I have. If we have any problems we are encouraged to speak up and get help. We are also encourage to get involved and have a go at things, and not be scared to make mistakes. I have been praised when I am have put in a lot of effort and succeeded at something.
I do not see my employers day to day, and so I do not feel as immediately supported by them as I do by the employer, however I see my training officer regularly, as he stops by around once a week to make sure we are ok and that there at not any problems. I know where to go if I need any assistance or support.
My salary meets my costs fine. I have enough money to pay for my travel costs daily, as well as my monthly living costs. The salary increases yearly, which I am looking forward to. I have come to this apprenticeship from a part time minimum wage job, so I feel that the salary is very generous, especially as I am only at college in the first year.
As it stands, I am not aware of any opportunities outside of work, as I am in college 5 days a week.
Yes
I have really enjoyed my time at BAE so far, and feel positive about continuing the apprenticeship and my future career. I have learned a lot of new skills so far, and I am excited to learn more. I think the salary is fair and generous, and I think that the apprenticeship with BAE is an excellent alternative for anyone who does not want to go to university, or who has tried university and found that it wasn't for them.
I would advise them to do some practice tests for the aptitude tests online, as they can be quite tricky under pressure and with the time constraints. After I got the apprenticeship, my training officer told me that at the interviews they aren't looking for the people who know the most about ships or who have the best qualifications, but for the people with the right attitude and good work ethic with a willingness to learn, as they will fit into the company well.
Details
Level 3 Apprenticeship
Engineering
Scotland
March 2018