Engineering Technician Apprentice Review

I work in detail design for the Electrical team, I have participated in 3D modelling work, creating supply and connection routes for systems. In this process I often am required to liaise with other members of my discipline or other areas (such as structures or outfitting) to create design solutions that meet the requirements of a ship as a whole. I have also furthered this by undertaking output drawing work, turning the 3D designs into 2D drawings that can be used by Operations to construct the ship.

I have learnt how to apply project design rules and concepts to a wide range of scenarios and circumstances, being able to take into account factors out of my control that may influence the best solution to a particular design problem. For any software or concepts that are new to me, I have been provided with training provided by an expert or other highly knowledgeable member of the team.

I have been given the opportunity to experience a variety of areas within detail design, moving to the other disciplines to see how their work differs from the others within the project. I have also had the opportunity to work alongside peers on the maritime services apprenticeship scheme to develop friendships and gain a broader understanding of the BAE Systems wider business.

I feel my value as a member of the project team has grown significantly from the start of my apprenticeship. My opinion is more greatly considered in team meetings and discussions. The company has shown its commitment to me as an future employee through providing HNC, HND and NVQ level 3 and 4 qualifications as a standard to complete alongside my work placements.

The apprenticeship scheme is well organised to provide me with a variety of kinds of placements that enabled me to determine which area of the business and what job role what suit me and my preferences the best. I have regular 12 weekly meetings with an Apprenticeship manager to assess my progress through a placement, set SMART targets for me to achieve and monitor my completion of my NVQ.

Throughout my HNC and HND I was given great support by the college to help me with my medical condition. They were able to provide me with extra time in exams guiding me to the right staff that would allow this to happen. lecturers provided good relevant reading material for our units and were able to give helpful feedback on assignments.

This support for my condition extended into my everyday roles in the workplace where through occupational health, I was provided with ergonomic chair, keyboard and mouse to help me with my day to day work. Both the project and apprentice managers have been extremely helpful when having to organise time off for medical appointments, illnesses or other personal matters.

From the start of my apprenticeship my salary has been highly competitive and given me the ability to save a substantial portion of my monthly wage for future uses and emergencies. My salary continues to increase each year in line with other apprentices of my level across the business and by a satisfying amount.

Outside of work there are opportunities to attend events such as the Farnborough technology fair. These kind of events allowed me to gain an understanding of the new types of technology that are becoming more and more accessible and ay be relevant to my work in future projects. Non work related, as an apprentice group there is the chance to take part in apprentices 7-side football oragnised and run by fellow apprentices at a local Goals pitch once a week.

Yes

BAE systems provides an interesting place of work for engineers to experience real world applications of concepts and ideas that we learn about from school and college. They provide recognised qualifications of all levels to promote the learning of us apprentices and pay a highly competitive salary from the start.

Highly consider what area of engineering or management you are interested in as this will determine what location you will be based in. BAE systems has locations across the country covering major aspects of engineering such as maritime services, combat systems and submarines. Also the application process can take some time due to security checks, required because of the sensitive nature of some of the work.