Higher Apprentice - Electrical Review

I work within the different engineering departments based on site supporting the engineers. This could be through the writing of documentation, assisting in the design of engineering systems, or performing testing and maintenance. Your role entirely depends on the department you are working in. Some require a more desk based approach were as others require hands on work.

My apprenticeship has enabled me to put into action what I have learned throughout my time studying at college. It has also helped me to develop a better understanding of what engineering is. The exposure to different departments around the business give you a better insight into how different aspects of the business interact.

Overall the apprenticeship programme offers a great opportunity to develop into a competent engineer. As part of the apprenticeship your study is fully funded up to and including a degree with the potential for further study. The only downside is some times it can get a little boring as there isn't always interesting work for apprentices to do.

The programme structure is well laid out on paper but in reality it often has to be amended. Sometimes there is a lack of communication in what you are expected to do such as organising placements in different departments. This mainly happens with the competencies your are expected to gain before you finish your apprenticeship leaving you unsure which departments to work in.

I can't fault BAE on the support that they give you. The entire Early Careers time which operates within the business are always on hand to support you. They are fully committed to ensuring you have the best apprenticeship experience possible and will go above and beyond what is expected of them to do so.

In terms of attending college you are pretty much expected to perform your own study as you only attend college once a week. The lecturers are good at offering support where they can and helping you with your studies while at college. As you are only at college one day a week while working full time it can sometimes feel like the work is being rushed.

The qualification gained at college is designed to improve your knowledge and understanding of what is involved in engineering. While the qualification as a good foundation it is not an adequate substitute for learning on the job. This is due to the qualification being almost purely theoretical were as on the job you can physically see these theories in action.

As part of your apprenticeship you are expected to take part in "Stretch Assignments" which are extra-curricular activities which don't involve work you would normally do in your role. These vary from hosting and attending events to projects which could benefit the business. These used to be essential for a pay rise but are no longer used in pay reviews as you often felt forced into doing them to get a pay rise.

Yes

An apprenticeship at BAE offers a great development opportunity. The company is more than willing to invest in your future to enable you to be the best. The company will fully fund your study while paying you a competitive salary and you can enjoy all the employee benefits which come from working for a large company.

Confidence is one of the most important qualities that BAE look for. As you are an apprentice you are not expected to know everything but your are expected to have the confidence to ask questions and put forward your own ideas. You are fully treated as a member of the team despite being in the early stages of your career.