Trainee Naval Architect Review

Currently my role is very flexible as I am allowed to move around the ship yard on placements. My day to day tasks vary from designing fan blades, writing research and development reports to commissioning a piece of equipment on a submarine. I go on these placements to give me a greater understanding of the company as a whole.

I have developed many skills. I feel the skill that I have developed the most is my ability to use computer aided design software packages. Through college and at work I have been exposed to 3 industry standard computer aided design software packages. I am know at a suitable level to undertake design tasks without any supervision.

Having had an interest in submarines from an early age I most work in the yard engaging and fulfilling. Furthermore having a paying job enables me to support an active lifestyle and helps me fund my hobbies. I enjoy the variety that my programme offers and the ability to work in a wide range of areas during my apprenticeship.

I feel that the programme that I am on has a well defined structure although I am unsure whether is the most efficient structure. I have at least 3 managers that I report to each providing similar services but more often then not different answers. Some managers have an excellent understand of my day to day work whilst some understand very little. The structure of the programme works but it could be more effective.

I have always come from the stand point that no one is going to do anything for you, which has served me well working for BAE. If you require help it will be given to you however I feel that the early careers programme is designed to react to situations and not pro-actively mitigate them.

My current college provides all the learning resources I need to complete my course. Lectures are engaging and well structured. Tutors are educated to a suitable level to teach the course. Should you require help it will be provided. Plenty or revision material is given to via an online learning platform.

Being a naval architect and undertaking a mechanical engineering degree can seem baffling to some people however, I am told that there are many overlaps between to the two subjects. Any knowledge that is not provided to me throughout the course will be taught to me in qualification the future.

There are a few events to get involved in every month. There is a pay day meal which is organised by a graduate of HA which is open to everyone within early careers. This provides a good opportunity meet new people, get out into town and network. It is good.

Yes

It offers a wide variety of jobs. The jobs pay a competitive salary's. The ship yard is 30 minutes from the lake district. The cost of living in the area is very cheap. The work carried out in the yard is world class and at the for front of technology.

Make sure you have a genuine interest in the job you are applying for and don't just use the opportunity BAE provides as a stepping stone. Ultimately BAE systems submarines is a ship yard so make sure you expectations are in line with that. Take every opportunity you can!