Tech Apprentice Review

I am a technical apprentice working in Manufacturing Engineering at the moment. I am quite new to the department so still learning the ropes and getting to grips with the work here. I have been set a number of tasks while here, like raising forms and following these up with the required actions. As I do these, I have to communicate with a number of different people to complete the task which helps me to gain contacts and solve any problems that appear.

As I have been working within the company, I have been able to develop the skills I already have gained from school previously as well as develop new skills that will help me throughout the remainder of my apprenticeship. I have had a number of training courses to complete within work and different departments i have visited, as well as some online training modules that help develop my knowledge further and given me basic skills/knowledge of regulations required for the company.

I thoroughly enjoy working here at BAE Systems. I get jobs to complete that are important and worthwhile, I develop knowledge through everything I do, as well as understanding more about the company the longer I work here. The people I work with are friendly and helpful and i know i can ask anyone for help and be given it, I have to complete real work rather than training exercises and the company ensures that all employees are safe and well looked after.

When I complete jobs as requested, it helps my colleagues and gives me a sense of pride in my work. As I continue to complete work correctly, my supervisors continue to trust in me to complete the work I do. When I share my accomplishments with my family such as the 'apprentice of the year' award for example, they feel proud of me too. As previously mentioned, my jobs are important and worthwhile so i feel very trusted as an apprentice with this work given to me.

I always receive inductions into each of the departments i begin working in every few months as well as adequate training for the particular job or jobs that I will have to do and if required, any support is there for me to assist me. I always receive visits from my training manager to ensure I still work correctly and am busy and they always ask how my college is going to ensure I am still on track with my work outside of work.

No matter what jobs I do, or the work I complete, if any help or support is required, all I need to do is ask and it will be provided. My supervisor assists me so I complete my work, my training manager constantly checks to see if I need any additional support and everybody is always willing to help me if I need it. I think the support system here is really great and some people such as our apprenticeship leader/mentor go above and beyond to help us all out and take care of us really well.

If I am unsure on the task that has been set, all I need to do is let somebody know and they will help me however they can so I either understand what to do, or am able to complete it correctly. My supervisor is happy to help me if I need any help and the rest of the team are more than willing to help out too. I think the support system here is really great and some people such as our apprenticeship leader/mentor go above and beyond to help us all out and take care of us really well.

The salary I receive is more than adequate for my living costs which personally for me is not too much compared to other apprentices who live in a flat due to needing to move from home to be closer to work and minimise travelling costs etc. The salary covers everything I need to purchase, including fuel and any general living costs, as well as enough to cover any breakdowns on my car as well as having some money to spend on myself every month.

There is an abundance of activities that happen outside of work and working hours. The company hold a number of special events throughout the year, they have STEM activities for the apprentices to get involved in and sometimes, some departments arrange activities just for that department to get involved in, like meals out or a football game etc. I enjoy going out with my work colleagues and it helps me get to know them a bit better.

Yes

BAE Systems is a great company that has many opportunities to get involved in and help develop personal growth and improve the skills you have, as well as gaining more skills. It pays very well and you are still learning throughout the whole of the apprenticeship. I would highly recommend an apprenticeship to begin with as i believe it is so much better than university or just going into a job as you get the best of both worlds really.

Answer any questions on the application and in the interview truthfully and to the best of your ability. Previous engineering skills help, but as long as you can show a positive attitude towards engineering, aircraft or working commitment, then you will be considered. Attend any open events and get your name out there and get known, as that helps. I would also say to try and get something from the process and interview even if you are unsuccessfull as well.