Apprentice Review

The section you are on determines your role on a day to day basis, for example if you are on a fitting section then your tasks will include things like manufacturing a drill block and toolbox (which will include operations like filing, drilling holes, meeting tolerances, spot welding etc. On the electrical section your daily tasks will change to things like producing circuit diagrams and circuits (e.g. soldering etc). One role everyone has though is in health and safety, as everyday it is everyone’s duty to ensure no accidents occur, and that all jobs are done as safely as possible, and therefore it is everyone’s responsibility to keep the workplace as safe as possible.

On the apprenticeship programme so far I have learnt a number of things, the main in my opinion being that my craft skills have developed, as I now feel much more confident when it comes to manufacturing components than I did at the start of the apprenticeship. I have also learnt a lot on the further education side of the apprenticeship as well.

I really enjoy the apprenticeship programme, mainly due to the working environment as all the instructors and other apprentices are very friendly and will always help you out whenever you need it, making it a nice place to be. The tasks you do are also very beneficial as like I stated before your skills do develop. In my case my craft skills have improved in my opinion purely down to the tasks we have done at the training centre.

Overall I would say I do feel valued by BAE systems, we have had a few talks off some of the managers at BAE and you are always made to feel that the apprentices are viewed as the future managers and directors rather than just the new intake.

I would say it is mostly very well structured, the only criticism would be the induction part as some parts seemed to drag on, but on the programme itself I would say it is very well structured, the instructors all have set amounts of time for each job and time to do the theory side is also taken into account.

If you require support it will almost always be given to you depending on the reasons. The instructors are always on hand to help you with your work if you are finding something difficult so there are no problems there, and if there are any other problems (e.g. problems at home) then you are welcome to tell someone, and the appropriate support will usually be given. Any health issues as well can also be dealt with as we have a nurse that comes in once a week to deal with any problems of that kind.

BAE want us all to do well and therefore any support you want can usually be provided as long as it is appropriate and you tell someone. All the managers here at the training centre are more than happy to talk to us regarding any problems.

The salary it is well above the average for an apprenticeship and is therefore very good. Anyone will say they would like more money but when you look at the bigger picture you are on to a very good thing at BAE. Travel allowance is also given which helps fund travel costs, something else that most companies will not provide.

There are some opportunities outside work, for example BAE has an apprentice football team that you can do trials for, and if you are finding it difficult to complete assignments, tutorials are put on after work that can be very beneficial.

Yes

For me it is one of the best places around for engineering, and the fact you are valued and the working environment is so friendly also adds to why I would recommend it.

I would say make sure you try as hard as possible to get in because you will not regret it. I would advise anyone thinking of applying to put a lot of time and effort into their application though, and to also think about what to say during the interview, as doing this will give you a much better than chance than someone who isn't prepared.