Engineer Review

The Engineering Technical Apprenticeship with BAE Systems at Chelmsford lasts 4 years. In the first year I'm stationed at a training provider where I am currently learning the basics and growing my knowledge on electronics. I attend college once a week which is where I am studying for my B-TEC. At the training provider I have different units which are specific to a subject, each unit lasts for 6 weeks and has a assessment at the end of it. We have regualar visits from BAE Systems and get involved back on site.

I have been able to develop my team working skills to a great extent as working with a group of 10 people all at the same level has enabled me to work well as a team and communicate well with my collegues. I have been able to improve my communication skills not only through face to face contact but also through email by communicating professionally and effectively. I overall love improving my soft skills as well as learning and picking up new skills to be had inside the company.

I have really enjoyed the programme so far and it has definitely gone above my expectations to what i thought it was going to be like. It has grown my love for electronics and has given me a taster to which is to come into the future which is looking to be very exciting. The programme is very supportive and people friendly which I believe is very beneficial to younger people who may have come into the programme straight from school and may not have had any experience of being in a workplace.

The programme that I am on is very well structured. At the training provider I know exactly what I will be doing in terms of units. I have been given data sheets which show when, where and time frames of work that I will be doing so that I can come prepared to the training centre each day. BAE Systems have given us a clear outlook to what will happen when we are back on site and how the rest of the programme runs. Older apprentices are very supportive and easy to talk to.

Due to being at the training provider we do not see representatives from BAE Systems that often which is a shame, but they do provide help if needed. Although this may not sound very supportive when we do have any contact or meetings with them they are very well constructed and supportive. We have support from both older apprentices and apprentice training staff who are both very supportive to any issues that I may have the the programme.

The training providers support has been amazing and definitely help you as much as they can during the apprenticeship and the overall learning is excellent and very beneficial to my job role. When ever I need support whether is work related or a more personal matter they are always there to listen and offer support. The training provider has provided support to issues we have had with the college and has liased with BAE Systems to try to rectify the issues.

I feel that because my training provider has been excellent with communicating well with the company, i have been able to get the best I can from them and from this, i have been happy at work using the skills i have learnt from college in my everyday jobs and i am growing in confidence more and more with every month that goes by.

I have become friends with other older apprentices who invite us out to events which can include bowling, cinema or a night out. There isnt any organised events that are planned by the company but I dont not feel that this is necessary as I feel supported enough and feel that I fit in well with the company. I think that there could be some other opportunities to be offered to employees however comparing the company to other jobs i have previously been at this is a lot better in terms of what's on offer for employees.

Yes

I would reccommend this apprenticeship to a lot of younger people and people starting out in their carrer and company to anyone who has a real interest in electronics. The company is very supportive and commited to its employees with beneits. The idea of working on secret products for the government should excite anyone. The opputunity to move around the company is huge due to them having strong holdings in countries like the US, Australia and Saudi Arabia.

If you are going to apply for a job at BAE Systems then make sure you do your research in the company as they really love people who have a real interest in the company and what they do. Do not panic if you do not have any background in engineering or electronics as this isn't what they are looking for, they are looking for people who can think outside of the box and have great ideas. If you do get an interview just be yourself.