Combat Systems Higher Apprentice Review

My daily role involves both office based work and hands on work. The office based work, for example, could be helping in the design of a compartment on a ship. The hands on work is the setting to work and testing of the various systems on board, for example, a radar or gunnery system.

I have learnt and developed a wide range of skills. For example, my communication and listening skills have improved drastically. New skills I have learnt are the layout and use of complex systems and how to use different IT software, for example AutoCAD. I have also developed other skills, for example, report-writing

I thoroughly enjoy the programme, as every day is different. You could be sitting in the visualisation suite viewing the virtual layout of a ship one day, and be on the ship the next day, working with some very advanced naval equipment. This keeps you on your toes and means you are continually learning.

The programme is very well structured. First year is full time at West College Scotland - Clydebank, where you complete an HND in computer networking. Then for the following 3 years, you undertake 6 month placements within the business, which take in a number of different teams and give you an array of experiences.

I receive a lot of support from my employer, they always ensure that I am happy and comfortable in the workplace. My employer also allows me to undertake certain training courses, for example, environmental and security training. I also know that if I have an issue in the workplace, my managers door is always open.

I receive a lot of support when working towards my qualifications, I am able to ask for help if required and also able to attend college once a week after first year to ensure that I complete my qualification and fully understand their content. This is great, as it ensures I can take that knowledge into the workplace.

It helps me perform better in my role, as I can use the knowledge that I learned in my qualifications in my every day role. It also ensures that I fully understand and can contribute to meetings/lectures that I attend in the workplace, therefore making me feel like a valued member of whatever team I happen to be working in.

There are many extra-curricular activities to get involved in at my workplace. These include a series of Engineering lectures that happen over lunchtimes, these can provide more knowledge about some interesting topics. There are also a number of sports events/teams that you can join in the workplace, for example 5 a side football.

Yes

I would recommend BAE Systems to a friend because it is a good company to work for, with helpful people who are willing to go the extra mile to ensure that you are comfortable in the workplace. The training is good and the college course that is undertaken is enjoyable.

Advice I would give would be to always try your hardest, this is important as you always get out what you put in, if you are willing to work hard then you will see the benefit. I would also say enjoy yourself, as it is a great opportunity to further yourself