systems engineer Review

Systems Engineering in an office based environment doing work on a variety of different projects within the Submarines Business Unit. This involves a lot of modelling on the programme Enterprise Architect to create a variety of different viewpoints for different systems and interactions in regards to SONAR. It's very in-depth and I'm learning lot's of new things that I didn't think I would originally have the opportunity to. As well as this, I also do work on some of the Combat Systems carrying out routine maintenance and upgrade work on the systems, this involves a lot of practical work which I really enjoy.

Lot's of new skills gained from working in both a practical workshop environment and an office environment. Examples of these skills include things such as learning new programmes and how to use them to a decent level such as Enterprise Architect, Microsoft Project etc. I've also learnt a lot about the systems, how they work and what they are used for which we be extremely useful upon exiting my apprenticeship into the business.

I enjoy it very much, it gives me opportunities that I normally would never have thought existed, let alone participate in. I enjoy both the professional and the social side of working at BAE as there is a good, supportive community everywhere I have so far been. They are keen for me to get higher education also which is great.

Well organised, my apprenticeship is structured from start to end with my different placements, apprenticeship catch-ups (in the form of 12 weekly reviews) and different amounts of work - ranging form in work, to NVQ and to day release college. I always know what placements are available to me, who I need to talk to in case of emergency or needing assistance.

Lot's of support, BAE always have people available to talk to no matter the situation, this can be regarding home and personal issues to in work issues such as not knowing what placement to go to next or who to talk to if I'm looking for a certain piece of information.

My employer is very good at helping in regards to day release college but unfortunately FCOT (Farnborough college of technology) has let us down recently in terms of lack of lecturers, uncoordinated work and timetable for the part time HNC students. Some of the lecturers have been very good and are keen to help us but unfortunately the college itself hasn't been the best.

I am studying a mechanical engineering HNC and the content itself is very useful, especially the theory around materials as some of what is done in the job is similar to this. Also the lesson "Project" is very useful as it teaches a variety of different skills necessary for working in an office.

There are plenty of opportunities to get involved in social activities, especially within the apprentice and graduate community. We often do things outside of work on a weekend. Within my team and the site itself there are also plenty of things to do such as 5 a side tournaments, badminton, birthday celebrations etc.

Yes

Because I have done an apprenticeship previously and the BAE one is very good in comparison, there is lots of support from everyone around you and they are also very keen to push you into higher education if you haven't already been through university. To me, it also seems like a great business to be in as there will always be lots of new and interesting opportunities.

You keep up to date with mathematics, physics, engineering (STEM subjects) prior to joining as most of the engineering roles here are heavily based around this. Have some kind of interest within MOD contracts and news and just generally make sure you give 100% in the interview and training centres.