Apprentice Engineering Technician Review

My role involves working on different things all the time. Solving important engineering problems and designing systems, and being trusted to do so. A lot of my work involves interrogating a 3D model, running reports and producing drawings. There is always plenty of work to do, I am learning new things all the time.

I have learned many new skills through my experience with BAE Systems. Every day I learn something new. Skills such as 3D modelling and creating manufacturing drawings are two which I use regularly. In addition to this, I attend college one day a week to further develop my engineering knowledge and skills.

I enjoy my apprentice programme a lot. The company really looks after their apprentices well, and provide plenty of opportunities to develop learning and skills. I receive all the support I need from my training officers, and fellow employees are always happy to help with anything I don't understand.

My programme I think is pretty well structured. In my first year, I attended Anniesland College full time, and gained an HNC in Engineering Systems. I then got to decide which area of engineering I wanted to join within the business. I chose mechanical, and I am now studying an HND in Mechanical Engineering on day release over the next two years. Within these two years, I will also have completed 6 different internal placements, all related to mechanical engineering. This lets me experience different stages of production and different departments within the business. Once I have achieved my HND and my 6 placements, I will chose which area of the business I want to join full time, based on which placement I enjoyed the most.

I receive all the support I need from my employer in every way. My training officer regularly checks up on me, and is there if I ever need help with anything. They company also pays well, starting on £16000 and increasing to £30000 by the end of my four years. Everyone in the business is very friendly, and are always happy to help you with anything you need.

The lecturers at the college I attend are very friendly and always happy to help. My Senior Lecturer is particularly helpful, and you can approach him with any problems you have. The staff are understanding, and take time to go through things with you so you understand properly. Most lecturers have worked in engineering, and their experience really shows when they are teaching and they can help you understand things better.

I feel the qualifications I am working towards (HND Mechanical Engineering and SVQ Level 3 in Engineering) help me learn a lot about engineering which helps me perform well in my role. The things I have learned at college such as welding and pipe fitting, as well as fluid mechanics and material selection really help me understand the systems I work on every day.

As an apprentice at BAE, you can become a STEM ambassador. This involves attending different events to promote STEM on behalf of BAE Systems. For example, I am taking part of the Schools Engineering Challenge this year, where I will help a team of four 1st/2nd year pupils build a ship over the course of 12 weeks, and they will compete against other schools to see who has made the best ship by completing various physical tests. Also, at the start of my second year, I got to go to an outdoor centre for a week with other apprentices within the business and had the opportunity to complete several team building challenges together and also to climb Ben Nevis. This was great fun.

Yes

I believe BAE Systems are a fantastic company to work for. They invest time and money into you and give you responsibility to do real work. They really push you to develop your career, as long as you show the ambition. I think an Engineering Technician apprenticeship at BAE is the perfect apprenticeship to kick-start your career in engineering.

Really take time in your application form, this is important. Make sure you show interest in the company and explain why you would like an apprenticeship with them. Doing this could make all the difference. If you get an interview, just be yourself. The interviewers are really encouraging and make it easy for you to relax. Tell them why you want to work for BAE, and do some research before you do!