Sponsored Degree Apprentice Review

I am an EDAS Apprentice EW Solutions For my current role I am working alongside the Training and support team inside the EW solutions department, on a day to day basis I am working alongside the rest of the T&S team to develop and review training packages and deliveries for customers. my current responsibilities and project involve researching and developing a new method for delivering a training package to our customers I then have to create a prototype of said package and construct a report regarding the requirements and risks for implementing this package.

During my time at the company I have developed my communication and team working skills greatly this was due to the outward bound course the company had sent us to. I have learnt how to use a lot of software programs as well as day to day skills such as arranging and preparing meetings and networking within the company. In the future i hope to continue to improve my current skillset and also learn new skills and explore other engineering components.

The work I am currently involved with is extremely interesting and I often find myself surprised at by the advanced technology that surrounds me, however due to my current lack of experience I am sometimes unable to take part in the more interesting areas of the job. We have a fantastic bond as a team and the culture within the company is welcoming and laid-back, whilst also maintaining a solid work ethic and upholding the company's reputation. I am enjoying the programme so far and look forward to experiencing the rest of my placements. I think that if you put a lot of effort into the company and you show that you want to work their and do well for yourself you will be rewarded and your experience will be very positive and you will enjoy the programme a lot more.

Due to the regular 12 week reviews on my progression I am able to see how well I am progressing through the apprenticeship The tasks given in the placements are significant and impact the business making you feel like an actual employee. Also as the teams I am working with have valued my input I feel as though my colleagues and management have a serious interest in developing my skills and helping me to become an experienced engineers.

The program has been constructed very well to ensure everyone has been brought to the same level of engineering understanding before being let into the workplace and the qualifications being done are being run well side by side. All prior training and requirements needed for each placement is carried out in a timely manner. I think that other apprentices and degree students have found areas of the work difficult in terms of organisation but in general my view has been positive and really good.

College staff are always available to help with any queries and provide prompt response to all e-mails sent, being incredibly accessible and informative as and when needed. due to the smaller class sizes our university lectures provide a more communicative and collaborative environment, although it is sometimes felt that certain key concepts are not explored as well as they may be in a university lecture environment.

Support for any problem can almost always be found somewhere if you know where to look.As an apprentice, they ensure that I am always pushing myself to grow and they involve me in much of the decision making processes to aid my learning. as well as this the company also provides many opportunities in which I am able to develop myself as an engineer. I know that there are various members of staff around work i can talk to if i ever feel down/upset or if i am struggling with personal issues as well as work.

It's one of the highest starting salaries for an apprenticeship in the UK and easily covers the cost of living in the local area, as well as this the degree is also sponsored by BAE, this means no financial debt from a student at the end of the apprenticeship, giving us an excellent starting position for our career. Although we have to travel to Blackpool everyday for the first six months no travel expenses are offered for the fuel costs of the long journey, but I feel the salary is more than enough to cover this.

Within BAE Systems, there are very few events and activities however, I never feel like there's nothing to do. This is because of activities and hobbies that I take part in myself. in regards to company sponsored events such as going to STEM events at schools or colleges, I haven't had the chance to attend any as of yet but I do know that I will have the opportunity to do this in the future. I would definitely say there should be other options for travelling to different BAE sites though.

Yes

BAE Systems is an excellent place to work, and offers a good financial package for an employee who is still completing their degree,the business is huge and there are plenty of opportunities to find the work that you enjoy doing, with additional opportunities to travel both nationally and internationally. The package as a whole is really good and positive, having a career in engineering is really good and it can open a lot of doors as well.

For people applying to the degree apprenticeship I would recommend taking your time when answers the questions in the application, for the interview process I would recommend showing that you are a confident person and have a passion for engineering, also whilst being confident be careful to not be seen as someone who isn't a team player.Maintain eye contact during conversations and speak slowly and clearly. Ensure you enjoy it though and get someone from the experience too