Rating
- 1. Please give an overview of your role and what this involves on a day-to-day basis:
- 2. Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
- 3. To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
- 4. How well organised/structured is your programme?
- 5. How much support do you receive from your employer?
- 6. How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
- 7. How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
- 8. Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)
- 9a. Would you recommend BAE Systems to a friend?
- 9b. Why?
- 10. What tips or advice would you give to others applying to BAE Systems?
I'm currently placed in the Mission Systems team working to complete HMS Prince of Wales aircraft carrier. I am supporting the system lead for one of the primary radar systems on board. I am heavily involved in the managing the day to day requirements of the systems, liaising on a regular basis with all major stakeholders: clients, suppliers, senior management and production. The role to date has been dynamic and fast paced but highly rewarding.
We were at college for the entirety of the 1st year of the apprenticeship gaining an HNC in Computing. Along with this I have also picked up qualifications from vendors such as Microsoft and Cisco. I am now in the process of completing and HND in Computing as well as a Diploma for IT and Telecommunications professionals at SCQF level 8. As someone that did not have a background in computing or engineering this apprenticeship has allowed me to develop a totally new skillset relevant to my job.
My programme has been excellent so far. The college experience was fun whilst maintaining the focus on learning and developing new skills, but what really makes the whole apprenticeship enjoyable are the people that you work with. Throughout my placements within BAE the engineers I have been working alongside have been more than happy to take time to ensure I was having the best experience possible.
This is only the second year that my program has been running so this apprenticeship is still in it's infancy - though the business as a whole has a lot of experience running apprenticeships. As such, the program has had it's ups and downs, however both the college and BAE have been more than willing to discuss and resolve any of the issues that were identified. The apprenticeship itself consists of a year of college then 3 years in the business broken down into 6 month placements set out by both your line manager and the functional manager.
Support from my employer consists of regular reviews with my line manager - highlighting areas of strength and opportunities for development. Post placement presentations are also a key tool in gaining feedback - after a placement apprentices are expected to deliver a presentation highlighting the key areas of learning within the placement and are expected to present to line managers, placement managers, functional managers and any other party that had an impact on the placement.
Whilst the first year was spent almost entirely at college, 2 of the remaining 3 years at college are attended through day release. Having an entire day dedicated to completing the HND in Computing and Networking provides ample support - and allows us to get any questions answered by our lecturer.
As much as I have enjoyed the qualifications in Computing and Networking, specifically the Cisco vendor qualification I don't believe that they necessarily equip you with the relevant skill set transition to the workplace and put your newly learnt skills to immediate use. However, as I stated before this particular apprenticeship is still in its infancy and the feedback we have provided has been acted on already.
As a member of IET there are many networking activities and lectures to attend, also as an apprentice we are encouraged to support STEM events throughout the country. The opportunity to get into schools and inspire future engineers really has been a stand out experience for me. However, the company itself could probably improve its social activities.
Yes
Throughout my apprenticeship both my line manager and my placement manager have been very open to feedback from myself and listened and acted in order for me to gain the most valuable experience possible in each placement - this includes pushing me into the deep end even when I wasn't sure about my ability to succeed. The engineers I have been placed with have been nothing but encouraging and I genuinely haven't looked back since I started.
If you are thinking of applying then do it! I have had a great experience so far and would encourage anyone thinking about it to give it a go, it's not every job that allows you to deal with aircraft carriers and the future of the Royal Navy. I would however, recommend taking time to put in a strong application, making sure you have sufficient time for the aptitude tests and ensuring you are motivated to get the most from being an apprentice as you can - you drive your career.
Details
Higher Level Apprenticeship
Engineering
Scotland
January 2019