Cost Estimating Higher Apprentice Review

My role involves providing estimates for the major bids and programmes within BAE Systems Submarines. This involves incorporating labour hours, material costs and any other costs associated with a task, alongside profit. We liase with different professionals in the business including Project management, Finance, Commercial and Engineering, which helps us understand the scope of work, and assists us in creating a true estimate that represents the work done.

I have developed many skills since starting in the business. My excel skills have developed significantly since joining, as we use this everyday for creating cost models. My confidence has improved significantly and I've gained good people skills during my time here due to all the communication involved in the role.

I enjoy being on my programme. It is a great opportunity to be provided with relevant work experience alongside a degree which is all paid for by my business. It is hard work and it takes time management to prioritise between assignments and exam revision alongside working in the business but it is worth it.

The programme is relatively new and is improving year on year. We have an Early careers team where our line managers sit, and a discipline manager. Together they ensure that I am meeting all the competencies needed to succeed in an estimating role and they ensure it is all going to plan. There are set placements and a end goal to work towards and so I believe it is well structured.

Lots. My line manager and the Early Careers team are extremely supportive and my discipline manager is also. They are always available when I have any concerns and have supported me really well during my time on the scheme. It is good that they have a dedicated team to look after apprentices as sometimes the support from your placement manager alone isn't enough.

The college I study at provides me help when I ask for it, and the tutors are willing to spend their spare time helping you. The college runs a degree which is accredited by the University of Lancaster, however I don't have much interaction with the university and speak with the college instead.

My qualification will provide me with a set of skills that are relevant to my end role. I have gained significant IT skills, and improved my report writing which will be helpful in the future. I have had the opportunity to present as part of my qualification which has given me the confidence to do this in work.

There are a lot of opportunities available as part of my scheme, known as stretch activities. You can take part in as many of these as you like and so far I've taken part in a STEM based quiz for secondary school children, providing STEM activities to primary schoolchildren, assisting in the assessment centre for future trainees, and the Local Higher Apprentice Council.

Yes

The scheme is a really good opportunity to study for a degree, whilst also gaining the on the job training you wouldn't get anywhere else. We are being trained specifically for our job role allowing us to succeed in our future careers. The wage is really good and its brilliant that the company invest in you.

Make sure It is the right place for you by getting to know the core values and the work that is done at BAE. Try and get in touch with someone else who is on the scheme so you can have more of an insight on what the job involves.