Engineering Technician Apprentice Review

In my apprenticeship, I move through a series of 4 month long placements, before my year long placement in the final year. In each placement I experience different things and learn different skills, including engineering skills, computer program skills and business skills. Each day in the work place is different.

I have developed my people skills and communication skills through attending meetings and needing to communicate through email. I have learned how to operate various computer programs, as well as the standards that we need to work to. I have learned the importance of quality and of making sure the customer is happy and satisfied.

I enjoy my program a lot. I like the variety of different work and skills and all the different people that we get to meet and learn from as we move around different placements. There is something to gain from each placement, and I enjoy learning from the more experienced people around me.

My program is very well structured. We have 6 different placements over the course of two years, followed by our year long final placement in fourth year. All of our placements are organised in advance, and I know where I am going. Our final placement is decided after third year.

My employer is very supportive. I am given real jobs, but with the understanding that I am an apprentice and still learning, and can ask for help whenever it is needed. As part of my apprenticeship, I attend college one day a week. I sometimes have tests and exams, and my managers are always happy for me to spend some time in work preparing for these tests.

I receive a good amount of support. All of my lecturers in college are friendly and approachable, and I know that if I have any issues then I can to go them and they will be happy to help me. They are supportive and do their best to help you do well.

In college I am gaining my HND in mechanical engineering. As I am in a mechanical discipline, everything I learn in college is useful. It is good to have a broad base knowledge to build on in work, and I feel that this is what I am learning in college.

Yes, there are events put on by the student council that people are welcome to attend. Recently a social committee has been launched. The social committee focuses on organising activities for apprentices including things like bowling, sports, social nights etc. There is a good community of apprentices in BAE Systems.

Yes

I have gained a lot of experience and skills working here, the company is supportive, the pay is competitive and increases each year as we get more and more experienced. Given the scale of what is done at BAE Systems, to join as an apprentice is a great opportunity, as there are so many different routes that you can take.

When applying online, take some practice tests before doing the online tests that are part of the application. Spend as much time as you can when writing out the answers to the questions that are part of the application. Take your time and make sure you are happy with all of your responses before submitting. On the assessment day, be friendly, confident and do your research beforehand.