Engineering Higher Apprentice Review

Working in a team of engineers to assure the design, safety and quality of Warships. Focusing on the constructive elements ensuring Structural and watertight integrity as well as producing Repair Plans for defect rectification work and validating new design solutions. Day to day tasks include providing oversight, writing technical documentation and producing working solutions to defects.

In the first three years of the apprenticeship I attended a local college where I studied a HNC and HND. On completion of College, opportunities exist within placements to take part in on the job training and more specific work related courses. Within placements the teams that surround you are always willing to help you develop and teach new skills.

In the final year of my scheme, I am anchored in one placement for the entire year, with the prospect of taking a full time position on completion. I was able to choose a final placement in an area that I am interested in and work within a friendly team and with in a great working environment.

The structure of the apprenticeship scheme in general can be disorganised at times, information is sometimes difficult to obtain and the point of contact and management of the scheme can be inconsistent. However within placements you are welcomed by the team and generally the support and guidance within the teams will overcome any negatives.

BAE Systems as an employer is very supportive. The company provides plenty of opportunities for development and encourages career planning. The company offers frequent training on a broad spectrum of topics which are open to all employees. There are also opportunities to gain further education which allow employees to develop themselves.

The training provider was very inconsistent in the quality of training it supplied. It was not uncommon that queries about the course and assignment work would go un answered for long periods of time. However there were a number of lecturers who stood out and would provide as much support as possible where required.

The Qualifications gained through the training provider include an NVQ2, HNC and HND. Generally lecturers understood the job role and aimed to apply the topics in a way that relate to work. The qualifications gained are well recognised and certainly help to develop knowledge and understanding of Engineering Disciplines, as well as providing a stepping stone for further education and training opportunities.

There is little in the way of organised events and activities held by the apprenticeship or company its self. However within placements you work within teams who will often hold event sand activities which you can take part in and will be invited too. This could range from office bike rides too office meals and Christmas dinner.

Yes

BAE Systems as an Employer offers a large amount of support for individuals pursuing a career in Engineering. The opportunities available after taking part in an apprenticeship with the company are very good. The company is also willing to support further educational development and encourage professional registration. On top of the opportunities with the company factors like salaries and rewards are also attractive.

Apply for a job role which is of interest to you, research the topic well and develop a good understanding of the role you are applying for. Think about how you would like to develop your career and the type of job role you wish to progress on to later on. Show that you are enthusiastic, hard working and motivated to develop.