Assistant Building Engineer Review

Daily tasks include: Building Surveying, Technical Report Writing, Designing Solutions, Management and coming up with solutions to problems. Daily interactions include: Communication with fellow colleagues and workforce to coordinate works, time management to ensure meetings and the day is managed properly. Management of contractors is key part of getting the various projects complete on time.

I have learnt the essentials about structural elements and material properties for buildings. I have also learnt the processes and the worksite very well. I have also learnt the basics of surveying a task to gather all the information required. I have improved on my time management skills, organisation, communication and my confidence has increased.

I really enjoy the work I get up to and having to solve the problems that arise on a daily basis. The team around me are really supportive and have really helped my development at an building engineer. This job has exceeded my expectations coming from a trade background to have an opportunity to progress further and take some responsibility.

Organisation of the Apprenticeship Programme is woeful. The contract with Babcock elapsed for various reasons which left undelivered work from the first year abandoned - I am now in my 3rd year and this has still not been completed. Further to this the structure of the apprenticeship could be improved as the first year was entirely classroom based.

I receive a great amount of support from my manager who has helped me progress beyond my apprenticeship allowing me to start an undergraduates course in Civil Engineering. On the flip side the apprenticeship I do not feel supported who ultimately are responsible for the delivery and finishing of my apprenticeship.

Babcock in the first year were amazing. The instructors were very knowledgeable and were able to help a substantial amount. After the 1st year it has been woeful with lack of staff able to assist us for various reasons. This situation has only recently got better and cannot currently comment on the support.

My training through my training provider in my first year was very beneficial and learnt a lot which I can apply throughout engineering. The training for my other qualifications from the training provider is great where I have learnt lots about the job role and the company processes for delivering work successfully.

There are not any extra curricular activities to involved in at work. All social activities, sports etc. are done outside of work on the friendships made during work. If there were extra curricular activities dependent on what they were I probably wouldn't attend as I have my own hobbies that I do outside of work.

Yes

The company is good with a strong will for young people to progress and form the next breed of engineers within the company with lots of opportunity to progress within the company. I would be cautious of signing up to apprenticeships as there are plenty to choose from of varied levels within BAE Systems.

With any large company it is very easy to blend into the background but in order to gain the most out of the company you have to proactively seek opportunities and apply yourself. Those that apply themselves are most likely going to get on well within the company and will enjoy working at BAE too.