Advanced Engineering Apprentice Review

I have just finished my first placement since leaving the training centre at Preston. My placement was in Fleet Technical Services; in this department I received customer queries from a variety of different countries around the world. Once the query has been received it is then assessed and analysed. It is then distributed to the most appropriate functions to answer correctly. If the query was simple I was able to Fast-track it and answer it myself with a little guidance from other engineers.

I have definitely learned new skills in the sense that I have never worked in a role like this so really everything I do I'm learning for the first time. I’m learning things like how to raise and allocate new tasks to the functions; how to create schedules for each customer. I have been reminded by past apprentices about the great opportunities you can get such as; getting a degree fully funded for whilst working at BAE Systems.

3. I am thoroughly enjoying my apprenticeship as it is my first working experience and it is constantly developing my skills and knowledge; both socially and professionally. I have the opportunity to meet hundreds of new people and feel my confidence growing. Overall the apprenticeship is much better than expected, even with my high expectations. I have managed to get a visit to RAF Valley to help out on a job, which was great to see the aircraft I am working on. I am very grateful of the work and opportunities that I have been given. All employees are happy to help if you are a little uncertain.

4. From my opinion the apprenticeship is now very structured, due to the high experience the employer has had with apprenticeships. In the first weeks of induction the structure of our apprenticeship was made very clear and obvious. We have been given constant support to help guide us through this process and its clear too see it is been very well organised and has been finely tuned over the years. There is a issue though, our year is the first year to do a new apprenticeship scheme and certain aspects are yet to be decided. This includes which institution we will choose for our end point assessment. Other than that the scheme has been very well organised.

5. There are frequent learner progress reviews, with in-depth tutor feedback which allowed me to assess my progress and helps me to understand my value to the company. The company provides incentives for their employees including bonuses and pay rises at learner milestones, such as; in house, Further Education, and end of year completion. My assessor provides continual assessment opportunities which allow me to see my progress and the ways in which I benefit the company. Additionally, my assessor gave 1 to 1 support to each apprentice to help start the collating evidence.

6. We have an assessor who goes through the apprenticeship with us and is always there if we need to chat or need to ask something and are also keen to ask something themselves. My assessor tries his best to update us once a week to ensure all our uncertainties are resolved. All my managers have also always been really good at easing me in and making me feel part of the team. I know I can contact our training provider at any time if we need help with work or even if we have any problems which are non-work related. We are always offered help and support.

I feel like the qualification does improve my ability to perform in my job role. As it improves my skills and knowledge of basic and specialised engineering functions. The continuous development programme ensures I am pushing myself to improve my personal skills within the company. Having the qualification also proves I am competent in the area I am working in and gives me self-confidence to know I can complete the job.

8. There are plenty of opportunities outside of work such as charity; exchange and world skills among others. It is also very obvious to see BAE is very involved with the local community such as; children’s university where they help children who are less fortunate. There is the German exchange trip to Germany and also to mix with other BAE sites across the country and other companies in Germany. I am also always included with any plans my current department has coming up (such as Christmas/birthday nights out, meals etc.)

Yes

9. I would definitely recommend this apprenticeship scheme run by a very prestigious company. This scheme has plenty of opportunities to offer and helps develop your skills in and outside the workplace. It has multiple opportunities to travel across the country and world. Compared to other engineering apprenticeships in my local area, BAE Systems has one of the highest salaries throughout the apprenticeship and at the end. The support you get from the company is outstanding.

The tips I can give to apply for the scheme are; good qualifications, engineering/sports related hobbies, express your knowledge of the company on your CV and interview, take your time with the application, think before you say in the interview, practice your interview skills, know what you are talking about, be prepared for abstract questions and enjoy yourself.