Project Management Engineer Review

My role involves regular interface with a key customer and ultimately I am accountable for the successful delivery of a modification programme to the customer's fleet of Hawks - the role offers me a dynamic and fast paced working environment, with significant responsibility. I am responsible for managing a project team comprised of many people from several functions (e.g. engineering, commercial, finance, procurement, manufacturing) spread across three sites in the North of England.

Lots! I have completed my foundation degree, higher apprenticeship and am a few weeks away from graduations with an honour degree - all in Project Management. Further to this, my employer fully supports any development needs I identify and funds my attendance at conferences such as the British Conference for Under Graduate Research, as well as conferences run by the Professional Bodies (E.g. the Association for Project Management). Throughout my apprenticeship my confidence has grown, as my capabilities are stretched from being placed in challenging situations with lots of responsibility.

I would not have changed a thing! Back in 2012 when I applied and was accepted onto the programme, many people thought I was crazy not to be going to university when I had the potential. But 5 years down the line I am the one telling those critics that they were crazy for not doing a route like I have done! The work is diverse. The company is so big that it is rife with opportunity if you're willing to put yourself out there and go for them. Additionally the culture has shifted enormously in my time, with both the investment in apprenticeships and the support network that underpins it increasing year on year. It exceeded my expectations because I was being told I was making a mistake by so many people, including the staff at the college I attended. My programme has given me the best of both worlds, an education and real life experience - the benefits of these complementary experiences are seen in both the academic and professional environments I operate in.

Very! This is demonstrated by the continuous career development opportunities I am presented with (e.g. the qualifications and conferences). The company recently opened a multi-million pound training facility for not only apprentices but every day employees who have been in the company for years - this demonstrates that not only am I valued as an apprentice, but also as an ex-apprentice I will still be valued. I believe my hard work is recognised and rewarded where appropriate and I am held to high standards. This has been seen most obviously on my current project that is of strategic importance to my UK Customer, but even before this when I was in the early days of my apprenticeship I was regularly rewarded for going above and beyond the day job - this is partially down to my work ethic, but also down to the fact that I know the business will recognise my contributions so I feel empowered to exceed the basic expectations placed up on me.

I would definitely say my programme is very well structured, yes. My programme has been established for 10 years now so it is very well organised and the structure is proven to work, especially for me - a lot of the people who come off it stay within the company and progress through the ranks quickly, in part due to the excellent platform the scheme provides you with. There would only be minor improvements i would make to the structure of my placement however i think it is a lot better than other areas of work i have heard about.

Lots. Tutors are always readily available and even on occasion have been flexible enough to meet me outside of my working hours when they know it is more appropriate for me due to work commitments. The relationship is great and we have a very open and honest way of teaching because there is a mutual respect there. Although I prefer working, the educational element that comes from the training provider is good.

Lots! Financial support is second to none with competitive wages and funding for additional qualifications being provided when necessary. On occasion I have suffered from difficulties both within work and at home, the support the company has given me to work through these has been great. From re-arranging placements that are better suited to my development needs, to providing support from occupational health when facing difficulties at home.

The salary/wage packet I receive each month far exceeds my costs of living. I am already paid above the average wage within the UK before I have even graduated. Travel costs are subsidised when travelling on business and the locations for me are accessible due to the infrastructure that surrounds my places of work. I am now looking into saving up and either buying a new car or buying my own house locally which i find really exciting.

Quite a few. As already explained I am actively encouraged to get involved with professional conferences and the company offers a wide range. I have been asked in the past to help apprentices, interns and work experience children who come through the business to get an in-sight of the work i do and what we (the business) can offer them and why we would be a good choice of company for their future. I enjoy doing this type of work now and then as it's a break from my usual desk work and i like to think i can inspire others with my experience and story.

Yes

I would certainly recommend this company to anyone thinking of applying primarily for the reasons i mentioned above. I think that our company can help any young person grow in our business, we offer a lot of potential to someone wanting to start a new career too and who perhaps needs a little more education too. A lot of apprentices and degree students in the past have praised the system BAE Systems adopts and i certainly think it's worthwhile when you have the work experience and the 'free' degree on offer too.

I would say that if you join expecting to easily get a degree then you would be wrong. The business expects you to work and use your own time (as well as day release) to complete your studies - which can be far harder than typical degree/university students. However on the other hand you are fully paid for working for the company and all education is paid for too. The effort and hard work definitely pays off in the end and you can go quite far in the business if you keep your mind to it.