Combat Systems Engineer Review

Variation of approx. 50/50 split of time spent on-ship and in-office. Key roles consist of the following: - System integration - System management - Installation trials & inspections - Harbour trials for warfighting systems - Commissioning of warfighting systems - Subcontractor management - MOD / RN inspections & support - Improvements to design of systems - Implementation of design - Contributing to "paper ship" (drawings, models, etc.)

I have picked up on a number of skills from my actual "workplace" and have been trained in computing skills via the college aspect of the apprenticeship. I personally found I have benefited more from the workplace skills, as the college course does not directly align with my own personal development goals. Key development areas as follows: - CISCO Network security - Microsoft technical knowledge - Systems engineering based knowledge (development of prior experience) - Military hardware familiarisation (development of prior experience) - General shipbuilder's knowledge - "Live" electrical and electronic working knowledge (and safety) - 3D modelling, AutoCAD & Solidworks - Proprietary software for error checking & setting to work systems.

I find the workplace side of the programme excellent, and I would even go as far as to categorize my current position as a "dream job" - it aligns perfectly to my long term goals, and I feel very supported in this area. I have never had any issues within the workplace, and find my job role a very welcoming and enjoyable experience. I do, however, feel that the college learning side of the course did not correctly align to the job role - it felt very "detached" and has not transferred as well as I feel that it could have when beginning placements. However - to flip this point, feedback regarding the course has been taken on board with positive changes already in place for the follow up cohort.

This would be my one and only gripe regarding the course - all of the "work" side of things are managed excellently - placements are well suited to any key interests we may have, and we are informed suitably in advance of any changes, planned moves, etc. The college side of the course (for the year we started) was somewhat lacking. as mentioned before - the subject matter does not align to the job. this is forgivable as the programme is still in it's infancy, and all feedback has been taken aboard. unfortunately these changes have come a little too late to benefit ourselves.

This is one of the absolute key areas to praise BAE for - I always feel like I have support within my job role, but I am also incredibly well provided for in terms on healthcare, wellbeing, general concerns & feedback. My manager goes above and beyond to ensure she takes the time to hear and act on any concerns we have.

As mentioned before - all workplace training (on-the-job, so to speak) is supported and provided for excellently, to the point where I feel I have learned more in the past year than I had on my entire time studying engineering. However, there is a definite schism between "work vs. college" - the two are vastly different sections of the job; support from the college does not carry over into the workplace as well as it could had the course been aligned with the role (I.e. we could ask lecturers for advice on "real world" problems, rather than it all being theoretical). this being said, when IN college - the atmosphere is very supportive, and while the collective consensus may not be enjoying the course, we are more than adequately supported.

This is a difficult question to answer, as my answer here will not apply in the future. Unfortunately for MY experience - the qualification gained at college does not align to the current job role as well as it could. the qualification being gained currently fits itself to the job role of a combat systems engineer based in Portsmouth (or other yards within England), not based in Glasgow. This feedback has been taken on board and the course is being tweaked for the next intake, however the changes have come too little too late to be of any benefit to ourselves. This is BY NO MEANS a complaint with the company, or even the training provider, it is unfortunately one of the unavoidable issues that comes with implementing a new programme - sometimes it fits, sometimes it needs changing!

Aside from the apprentice-specific activities and newsletters, the company as a whole offers opportunity for networking and social activity based on projects - emails will be sent out to all parties informing them of dates etc., and there is no bias on who can attend. BAE also encourage apprentices to become STEM ambassadors, which opens up the opportunity to take part in other networking events.

Yes

If nothing else, the level of support and inclusion is phenomenal - I feel like a genuine, valued member of whatever team I am seconded to within my placements, and actually feel like my work has a real impact. My manger is always available to deal with any concerns (should I have any) and I always feel that if I were to raise an issue, it would be dealt with. Aside from that, the job itself is vastly enjoyable, and the pay I feel is very respectable for someone who is in essence, untrained. BAE are making an investment in us as engineers, and it certainly shows.

Try to make yourself stand out in the written aspect of the application - BAE receive masses of applications and anything you have that can help you to be recognised is a massive bonus point. This applies to qualifications too - anything you feel is relevant, include wherever you can! The application also includes an "online test" to check mechanical knowledge, spelling, and mathematics - take care to practice these first (you are given the chance) and read SPECIFICALLY what you are being asked to do - i.e. there is a time limit, but running out of time is not a "fail". etc.