Engineering Technician Apprentice Review

As I am currently in the second year of my apprenticeship and am currently doing placements my daily tasks vary depending on the placement. Daily tasks can range from filling in spreadsheets, writing reports to red-lining drawings and being out on the block.

Since starting my apprenticeship i have learned to communicate and liaise with people. My confidence has grown and i can approach situations more mthodically and calmly. In My first year i gained an HNC in Engineering Systems and SVQ level 2. I am currently working towards an HND in Engineering Systems and an SVQ level 3.

The work in the placements (depending on which one) can be very monotmous and at times lacking all together. However in other departments the work can be engaging and particularly enjoyable. The teams you work with are all generally very nice and will help you at a moments notice when you need it.

Overall apprentices are sometimes made to feel like more of a burden on departments rather than an asset that can be trained and utilised. However there are some departments who go out there way to spend time with each apprentice and make sure they get the training, work and support that is needed to progress through your apprenticeship.

The programme is very well structured in terms of the college course and having placements set out for the second year of the apprenticeship. Sometimes the placments seem to have no relation to the final outcome of our apprenticeship (detail designer) and could be tweaked to improve the overall course.

Our training officer is always there to help wherever he can. He will go out his way to try open doors for you and will also be there to give you any advice and encouragement you need to get through.

The support from the employer is overall pretty good

In your first and second year the wages are above average however it can still be difficult to get by at times. The flexi-time policy, pension scheme, share incentive plan and credit union are just some of the fantastic incentives for working for BAE Systems.

There are a couple of opportunities to help the community, one being a STEM ambassador and participating in the schools engineering challenge which allows you to get 1st/2nd year children active and motivated in engineering and technology.

Yes

The overall package the company offers for the apprenticeship is good

Be yourself when filling in the application form and attending test days, interview etc. Be sure you are keen on working in an office for large periods of time and have an interest in design work or it can become tedious and you can be left feeling negatively towards your apprenticeship.