Electrical Higher Apprentice Review

I am an electrical higher apprentice. I spend between 3 to 6 months on a placement before moving onto a new placement. I am currently in a department that helps develop software and I get involved here by helping to write technical documents. I also spend one day a week at Furness college and am currently working towards a HNC.

I have learned new skills such as writing in python and pseudocode. Since I am still very new, most of my learning has been developing skills I already had. Some of the skills I have developed are; becoming much more competent with Microsoft Word and Microsoft Excel, working on networks and analysing complicated circuits using imaginary numbers.

I really enjoy the diversity and range of things I am offered. Through all of my placements I get to learn and experience many different areas of electrical engineering and at college I learn many practical engineering principals that help me to better understand the placements that I am in. The company also supports me going out to do STEM activities such as after school clubs which I really enjoy too.

It is very well organised and structured. There are teams of people dedicated for the running of the apprenticeships at BAE Systems meaning every aspect of each scheme is well planned and executed. I was told very early what the structure of my apprenticeship would be like and what is expected from me.

Support is always there if I need it. There are numerous leaders and managers I can contact if I have an issue, and I am fairly regularly asked how everything is going from these people. The company has also given meetings to spread awareness and offer help regarding issues such as mental health, drug and alcohol abuse and finance. BAE Systems has made it very clear to me that if I need any kind of help, they will help.

The college has very good staff that work very hard to deliver the best teaching they are able to give. The college has also made it very clear that if we have any issues, we can talk to them about it. It can however feel like pulling teeth with certain staff when getting help. The help we do receive after asking for it can often be vague, especially with industrial management related topics. This combined with a lack of general feedback leaves us not knowing if what we're doing is of high quality or not.

So far, there has been very little crossover between the two. But since my placements so far have been working towards developing bespoke software, it's not a surprise that an electrical engineering course doesn't cover this. I am optimistic that what I learn through college is beneficial for me and my role in the company in the future.

BAE Systems allows us to do out of work activities such as STEM ambassador work. I have been involved with going to careers fairs and doing after school science clubs. There are a good range of outside of work things to get involved with, such as playing football and a mountain bike club, but I find myself busy enough with other commitments.

Yes

BAE Systems apprenticeships are well organised and offer quality training and qualifications. The product is very big and exciting to be a part of. Every job role has challenges. The pay is very generous. Because of how large the business is, there is incredible scope to develop through the company.

Start your application form early in order to give yourself maximum time to give quality answers. Practice online aptitude tests before doing the real one. Be patient as not everything happens immediately. Treat everyone with respect. Go in open minded to learning and don't think that you know it all already.