Technical apprentice Review

The Engineering Technician Apprenticeship with BAE Systems at Rochester lasts three years. In the first year I'm stationed at a training provider where I am currently learning the basics and growing my knowledge on electronics. I attend college once a week which is where I am studying for my B-TEC. At the training provider I have different units which are specific to a subject, each unit lasts for 6 weeks and has a assessment at the end of it. We have regualar visits from BAE Systems and get involved back on site.

I have been able to develop my team working skills to a great extent as working with a group of 10 people all at the same level has enabled me to work well as a team and communicate well with my collegues. I have been able to improve my communication skills not only through face to face contact but also through email by communicating professionally and effectively. I overall love improving my soft skills as well as learning and picking up new skills to be had inside the company.

I have really enjoyed the programme so far and it has definitely gone above my expectations to what i thought it was going to be like. It has grown my love for electronics and has given me a taster to which is to come into the future which is looking to be very exciting. The programme is very supportive and people friendly which I believe is very beneficial to younger people who may have come into the programme straight from school and may not have had any experience of being in a workplace.

I feel very valued to be working at BAE Systems, they have fantastic support and opputunities in the workplace and are always open to new ideas. Although we currently do not get many visits at the training provider I do not feel like we need more regular visits due to the support we have been given by the BAE Systems staff. We have been given email addresses of people who we trust and are easy to talk to which is very helpful, responses are very quick and problems are resolved quickly.

The programme that I am on is very well structured. At the training provider I know exactly what I will be doing in terms of units. I have been given data sheets which show when, where and time frames of work that I will be doing so that I can come prepared to the training centre each day. BAE Systems have given us a clear outlook to what will happen when we are back on site and how the rest of the programme runs. Older apprentices are very supportive and easy to talk to.

The training providers support has been amazing and definitely help you as much as they can during the apprenticeship. When ever I need support whether is work related or a more personal matter they are always there to listen and offer support. The training provider has provided support to issues we have had with the college and has liased with BAE Systems to try to rectify the issues. I feel that the training provider has been very supportive through the months that I have been here.

Due to being at the training provider we do not see representatives from BAE Systems that often which is a shame, but they do provide help if needed. Although this may not sound very supportive when we do have any contact or meetings with them they are very well constructed and supportive. We have support from both older apprentices and apprentice training staff who are both very supportive to any issues that I may have the the programme.

Unfortunatley the salary isnt as high as other competing apprenticeship schemes which means at times money can be tight and I have to budget. On the other hand the benefits that BAE Systems has to offer is a lot better than other companies with higher salaries. BAE Systems offers a huge range of benefits, these include discounted health care, share save programme, software discounts, car pcp discounts and many more. I think for an apprenticeship the wage is pretty good but still not the best!

Outside of work there are quite a few oppuntunities. I have become friends with other older apprentices who invite us out to events which can include bowling, cinema or a night out. There isnt any organised events that are planned by the company but I dont not feel that this is necessary as I feel supported enough and feel that I fit in well with the company. I think that there could be some other opportunities to be offered to employees however comparing the company to other jobs i have previously been at this is a lot better in terms of what's on offer for employees.

Yes

I would reccommend this apprenticeship to a lot of younger people and people starting out in their carrer and company to anyone who has a real interest in electronics. The company is very supportive and commited to its employees with beneits. The idea of working on secret products for the government should excite anyone. The opputunity to move around the company is huge due to them having strong holdings in countries like the US, Australia and Saudi Arabia.

If you are going to apply for a job at BAE Systems then make sure you do your research in the company as they really love people who have a real interest in the company and what they do. Do not panic if you do not have any background in engineering or electronics as this isn't what they are looking for, they are looking for people who can think outside of the box and have great ideas. If you do get an interview just be yourself.