Structural Engineering Higher Apprentice Review

As part of our programme we rotate around placements within the business. These placements can last between 1-6 months. These placements can vary in the work involved so the work on a day-to-day basis changes depending on which placement you are in. As part of my scheme I am able to choose different placements cross-function and am therefore not restricted to Engineering placements. Within my placements so far I have been able to undertake standard engineering tasks such as lengthy calculations to check the suitability of components and justify their use. I have also been able to solve issues which have arose by providing suitable solutions. I have also gained hands on knowledge of the product in some of my placements which were less technical and more practical. All in all your role as a Higher Apprentice in this company is to learn and gain expertise wherever and however you see fit. You are supposed to gain knowledge and competencies in areas you feel are important when you exit into your role as a full employee into the business in whatever function that may be. There is also an expectation for you to partake in Stretch Assignments which are non-work related activities to help give back to the surrounding community.

Over the course of my apprenticeship so far I have learnt many new specific skills directly relating to submarine design and how BAE Systems works (the systems they have in place). I have further improved my mathematical and Engineering skills by undertaking tasks in Engineering placements which are very technical and learning from the employees around me. My social skills have improved extensively as well by working with a range of people from a range of background and range of ages.

Each placement is different and I enjoy the freedom you have to pick and choose what placements you feel will be beneficial for you. I have enjoyed the work I have done very much as the variation has been good. I have enjoyed the social aspects of the apprenticeship due to the close-knit nature of the Higher Apprentice Community and the events which are arranged such as Outward Bound. I also enjoy the salary which gives me plenty of money to do things I like to do. Therefore I am very happy with my programme overall.

The structure to the programme is very good. Although you have freedom in your placement structure you do have to justify your reasons for going to each placement to ensure it will be beneficial for you. Other than that it is set out what qualifications you will get and how/when you will get them. Again, however, you are able to change this plan if you can justify it. For example we are in the process of choosing which University to do our degree with.

The Early Careers team at BAE is in constant contact with you and carry out 12 weekly reviews to follow your progress within different placements and then an end of year review where you showcase what you have done to justify your pay rise. We are consistently getting reminders of any help and support schemes out there for us and are reminded that we are able to visit members of the Early Careers team if we are struggling in any way. On a day-to-day basis I have found the people around me in my placements very helpful and supportive regarding the work given to me and many are willing to help if they are able.

I have found the training provider good for many of my subjects and have taught me very well so far. The teachers there are happy to help and discuss anything you are struggling with, keeping an hour aside each College Day for Tutorial where you can discuss any issues you may have or help you may need. There was an issue my class had with one of the teachers last year however which led to complaints but this was resolved with everybody passing the subject.

Currently a lot of the Engineering intake feel like the HNC which we are required to do is unneeded due to our A level qualifications. We feel like a degree apprenticeship would be a lot more suitable to our capabilities as a lot of the work we are doing currently is well within our capabilities. Having said that we will be starting our degree the next academic year meaning this issue will be resolved. I am also under the impression that the scheme may be changing soon to a degree apprenticeship.

The social activities at BAE are very good. Not only do the Early Careers Team create events and activities for the Early Careers Population such as Outward Bound but the Early Careers Population have work do's on a regular basis. I have also found it easy to make friends on the scheme who you then often arrange to do things with. In addition each placement you go on have social events which they invite you to and are good fun to.

Yes

I have enjoyed the scheme so far and the work I have done in it. I have also enjoyed the social aspects of the scheme. Most importantly I believe that the qualifications and expertise you receive free from the company alongside the salary make it a very good place to work. Once you have your degree through the business so many doors are opened in your career without having the financial worries of University.

Some people do find the application process quite difficult. I would recommend practising the online application test before doing it for real and make sure you have all the help you can have around you i.e. calculator etc.. Once you are through this part of the process I would make sure you are as prepared as you can be for the assessment centre. Practice the sort of questions you'd expect from an interview at home. You will be asked to do a presentation and don't be afraid to ask others for help and make sure you practice this also. Other than that's just make yourself as presentable on the day as you can and be sociable and chatty to all in order to give a good impression of yourself.