Advanced Engineering Technician Review

I have several placements over the scheme, however I assist with daily tasks, including hosting meetings, dealing with technical data, and amending documents. other tasks involve following process to validate documentation or communicating with other functions in order to provide an answer to a customer query. The customers we do business with are based all around the globe in a number of areas.

I have learnt about so much in such a short time, if I talked to 17 year old me I would've never believed that I would know so much. my knowledge of aircraft systems, parts, and assemblies is growing everyday, and my manual skills such as using carbon fibre, or machining something from a billet have actually helped me improve my DIY!

Overall, I would say I thoroughly enjoy the programme as the variety of skills and talents I have learnt have benefitted me in more ways than just at work. Interacting with such a fantastic workforce is so valuable in my professional development, and getting to grips with how the various functions work in relation to both the business and the Hawk is very rewarding.

Our Apprentice Skills & Development trainer does an absolutely wonderful job behind the scenes to make sure we understand how to work towards completing our programme. This year has been challenging at points, not as a result of the company, but the introduction of the trailblazer scheme by the government which has caused a significant amount of rushing, confusion, and a random set of requirements to receive the funding. although this has caused issues, the way the company has managed this has been remarkable, as we are getting through our apprenticeship with only a few hiccups.

The amount of support I have received from this company has been utterly overwhelming. I have had a number of issues, and BAE Systems has supported me through all of them. I honestly cannot express how much this has helped me, nor how privileged I feel to be a part of a company that goes above and beyond anything I had expected.

From my Training Assessor, I receive a phenomenal amount of support. he does the work of three people by himself, and is exceptionally good at it. He checks in each week, and sits with us to look at our evidence logs to see where improvements can be made, and suggests things to include in order to meet certain criteria. the support I receive is fantastic.

My qualification helps me in leaps and bounds in performing better in my role. the scheme itself is set in such a way that I learn on the job, whilst simultaneously contributing towards my qualification. this puts me in great stead for improving almost every day, and the feeling that I am genuinely benefitting the company.

There are a number of extra-curricular activities to become involved in. There are regular opportunities to attend STEM events to promote the business and the apprenticeships on offer. We're often invited to office 'do's', or given opportunities to give back to the community in one way or another. There is a chance for a 3 week exchange programme with another company too.

Yes

I would recommend BAE to a friend, and have already, as it is a fantastic company to work for. the employee benefits are phenomenal, and the 'earn while you learn' principle really applies here. The knowledge and tools you need to know about or how to use are thrown at you with no expense spared, and the quality of this apprenticeship is brilliant. Sure, there are some downsides, it can be hard work, and it can be challenging at times, but in the end that is a mere blemish on the overall scheme. It benefits you in so many different ways, and that's not a common trait in a lot of jobs these days.

I would tell them to get their application in, and to make it the best you can. If you think you can do it, go for it and don't let anything stop you. You don't need an A-level in maths or engineering, just an enthusiasm and lust for knowledge. Make your application fantastic, there are so many transferrable skills you can relate to the industry. Food Technology? You designed and developed a cheesecake, who knows? Even litter picking can be transferrable, sustainability-community-awareness. Just think about it, and apply.