Combat Systems Higher Apprentice Review

Design/installation/commissioning of combat systems for warships built for the Royal Navy and navies around the world. This includes working with radars, communications kit, gunnery systems, navigation systems, networking equipment and much more. This can be very hands on (I have personally worked on the QE Aircraft Carriers, OPVs and will soon work on the new T26 frigates) but also involves the design phase with document management and AutoCAD work. De-conflicting tasks also plays a massive part when working on such complex projects. I currently work in London with an equipment supplier and opportunities in Canada and Australia will also become available soon.

I have gained a massive amount of IT knowledge through my college training and various placements. I have experience with VMware, Cisco, Juniper and Windows products. I have also worked with a lot of hardware (assembled guns for warships, installed radar cabinets, configured network equipment & servers, built computers, etc.) and have learned about the safety aspects involved. Working with hundreds of different people and having regular meetings has also improved my interpersonal skills. I have also been put through my paces in externally provided Sea Survival courses too!

This programme is hugely enjoyable. BAE Systems is a very unique place to work given the type of projects they have in the pipeline. As far as engineering apprenticeships go, there's something for everybody. There are some very inspiring mentors within Combat Systems and Early Careers. Seeing the end result of a BAE Systems Naval Ships product is also something to be very proud of. We are providing advanced warships to the Royal Navy to help protect our nation's interests.

I believe the Combat Systems apprenticeship (Glasgow) will be structured very well from here onward. The apprenticeship is very new but has now had 2 lots of apprentices put through it who can provide feedback. Unfortunately, being among the first cohort, the apprenticeship was not structured for the hands-on nature of working on ships on the Clyde when it first began. However, the training and support received has been of the highest quality - which is replicated within every apprenticeship offered by BAE.

Apprentices are assigned a BAE training officer who, along with a course coordinator from the training provider (college), oversees your development. There are frequent meetings to discuss progress and concerns can be voiced in a more official capacity. Training officers are available to help with any issues and also act as your Line Manager for HR related queries (holidays, sickness, etc.). Many of the "placement managers" have worked with apprentices before or have even been apprentices themselves and are very supportive if you are willing to learn and put in some hard work.

Regular meetings ensure than support is given frequently and that progress can be monitored effectively. The college lecturers have an opportunity to give apprentices extra attention as the classes are smaller. In my experience, they are also very keen to relate the course content to things we might do in the workplace which helps tie everything together.

The general IT knowledge is very useful as engineering roles require frequent use of laptops, desktops and ship's equipment. The hardware aspect of the course is obviously very useful as this job is very hands on with various systems. We also completed a basic electrician course that helped us understand the health and safety requirements for electrical systems. Personally, the college courses are essential for the job I am currently doing. However, I know that this is a small part of Combat Systems so the qualifications could be altered to be a more general fit for systems engineering as a whole (which I believe will be the case for any future Combat Systems apprentices).

Apprentices are encouraged to become STEM ambassadors and BAE holds many events throughout the year which apprentices can support. The company also holds awards events for apprentices. Social events are normally organised on a "per-office" or "per-site" basis. Many offices are less social than others. For example, my current site has a "group" that organises events like go-karting, bowling, football matches etc. There is an Apprentice Council in Glasgow which has a social committee for these type of events. Everyone at BAE gets a paid membership to 1 professional body, many of which will hold networking events that can be attended.

Yes

Working for such a big company provides many different career paths and there is something for everyone. You will have the opportunity to work on some very unique projects and gain invaluable experience as an engineer. Apprentices have the opportunity for further education and degree apprenticeships are also available. It's definitely a great way to "earn as you learn" and gain experience that you wouldn't normally get.

Have a look at all the vacancies and pick something you find interesting/have a passion for - you'll have to prove this later! Take time to fill out a decent application as the number of applicants is always huge and spaces are limited. Aptitude tests can be a bit daunting but just make sure you have a solid understanding of the type of things that could be asked and watch out for the common tricks they use to try and catch you out. Do some research on BAE and their products before turning up to an interview. I was given a picture of a destroyer and asked to start naming/explaining things! Be prepared to provide evidence of (or discuss) any relevant experience you already have. The HR Early Careers team are very good at handling the whole process, even if it does seem quite drawn out as an anxious applicant.