Technical Engineering Apprentice Review

As an apprentice, I experience a number of different areas within different departments around the business. The tasks involved vary hugely dependant on the department itself and the current workload, ranging from little jobs to save the engineers time, to larger, more important jobs that have a larger impact on the business.

During my apprenticeship, I have learned a large number of new skills that I didn't have previously. I have not only developed a general knowledge of different engineering skills, I have also acquired more specialised skills relating to aeronautical information from the time I have spent in the different departments around site.

The experience, skills and knowledge I have acquired over the past few years of working at BAE Systems is unrivalled and the knowledge that some of the work I have completed over my apprenticeship has contributed to a larger goal is a rewarding feeling that can't be matched anywhere else.

The apprenticeship at BAE Systems is very well structured. There's a set placement plan for each year to ensure that apprentices are able to gain experience in a number of different departments to enhance our knowledge across the business. The departments are able to give apprentices a wide understanding of the work they do so that we understand the tasks that we have to tackle later on in our career.

As I move around departments a lot, I never have a set employer or manager, however in all the departments I have been in and all the managers I have had, they have always been willing to assist me with any questions I may have or support me in any work I have to complete.

The assistance and effort given by my training manager is brilliant. If there are any queries or questions that need answering, it will always be given in the fastest possible time, with the detail and answer required. If there are any questions regarding qualifications, then they will endeavour to help as much as possible.

All the work and experience acquired while completing my qualification is transferrable to most aspects of work. Although it is more educational than work related, the skills of tackling challenges, writing reports and interacting with different people are all transferable skills and experience that can be used in the working environment.

AS an apprentice, there are a number of activities that allow us to get involved in, especially during apprentice week in March. However, external to this, there aren't that many events on a work scale, apart from the occasional few drinks with your working department or a nice Christmas meal out.

Yes

I already have recommended my company to friends and past colleagues as I believe the training, experience and knowledge gained from the company is un-matched and on top of that, it's a good pay. Extra education is also provided while you work, so you get a mix of both working and learning at the same time.

Research the company and the work we do. Although Google gives you most of the general information, if you show more of a passion towards the business and provide that extra bit of information than others, then you will stand out. You don't need to be particularly smart, just have a passion for engineering and show the commitment towards work.