Craft Apprentice Review

My role as BAE Systems Fabricator is to maintain and upgrade ships equipment, this could include essential works to ships systems or work shop based activities to manufacture parts to be included in work on-board ship. My role involves being alert of any hazards around me and to keep safe when working. eg PPE

I have learnt many new skills throughout my time here, as well as developing my current skills. I have learnt a lot about ships and how the navy like contractors like us to operate. Also how to use the equipment that is available to me to complete a job to a high standard.

I enjoy coming to work as I am working on a project on board the QEC, its great to see the project coming along from the starting works and I am enjoying the pressure of completing the job to the deadline, so that the ship can be sent to sea on time.

The programme is well structured, we completed all of our tasks in the first year on time. 2nd year includes a day at CEMAST college which can be a long journey for work that could be completed in house by CEMAST instructors in house, besides that the programme put in is good at CEMAST and the teachers are good.

We can gain support whenever we want and we will always get the support we need when working mentors, they are really good when teaching you how to complete a task when on board ship and also always feel happy to gain support when coming back to the Training Centre.

We had time to complete are qualifications throughout the year, and always had support from our instructors when helping with knowledge questions. We also had lessons on the knowledge before completing the questions so that we can complete the questions to the best of our knowledge. All instructors are keen to help when needed.

I feel that some of the qualification will not necessarily help me to perform better on the job. I feel the best way to perform better is to be on the job learning, this is good and is the reason between only one college day a week. The qualification helps to learn the fundamentals behind the work and H and S work.

The only thing I can think I can do as well as work is cheap gym memberships that you can get involved in, there are also some 5 a side football teams which you can join to play against the navy, this could be good but I've never tried to join myself.

Yes

Its a good company to work for, there are many benefits that come with the job and the support you get is out of the world. Everyone is there to support you and to help you to complete your apprenticeship to a great standard. There are also many opportunities within the company.

Be yourself is the main tip. Also be confident and relaxed in the interviewing process. Also revise about the business and about what they do. Ask question in the interview if given the chance and have the prepared ready to do so. Also practice metal and physical challenges for the dexterity tests.