Advanced Apprentice Technician Review

I am an Apprentice Technician at BAE systems which means I spent four days a week working and completing an NVQ evidence log and one day release a week at a nearby engineering college, HETA. While in the job role, I work in departments such as design, structures, airworthiness and aerodynamics. This are all predominantly computer based, with some allowing for trips to vendors or other sites. There is sometimes a struggle for work but the work there is turns out to be useful and relevant to learning. Each day is on average 7 hours and 24 minutes but the hours are flexible; you can do longer days and shorter days so long as they average out.

I joined at 18 years old and feel I have matured a great deal. BAE wasn't looking for a well-rounded engineer, but more so someone that was enthusiastic to become one; their NVQ scheme reflects this. The criteria consists of: planning, problem solving and behaviours that you enact while going through the departments. I have learnt many things about the air sector and how to publicly speak (from scratch, I used to be a nervous wreck). The aim is to have me ready and prepared to be a full time employee by the end of the four years and I believe it to be working!

The variety of things to do is BAE's strength. There are the differing placements such as Design, Structures, Aerodynamics, Fleet Technical Services, Airworthiness, and Material Test. These take you on a tour of the different roles you could be once out your time as an apprentice. There are also extra segements such as looking after work experience students, going and advertising the apprenticeship to schools and then going to events. All these "extra curricular" activities are all on company time which is very generous of BAE Systems. These are the parts I enjoy. HETA is the training academy we study at for our NVQ, this is less so enjoyable however it is functional. I feel the day goes on longer than required for the amount of work we do there.

At the beginning of the apprenticeship you are sent to Preston, Lancashire, for a whole year in order to learn the basics. All of your expenses (including travel) is included. Everything organised by the Brough site was well structured however there was a lot of teething issues in Preston. After returning to Brough, everything is streamlined and simple. The training assessors do a great job of making sure not only your work is up to scratch but also you as a person and you always have someone to go to.

As mentioned before, there are endless ways of gaining support at BAE Systems. There's always a way to speak out if you're uncomfortable with situations at home or struggling with workload. Employee care is one of their strongest points, I believe. There are never times where BAE would put you at risk physically whether its in the fitting workshop or working too long, sometimes admittedly they go too far with the bubble-wrapping but that's most companies now.

Our training assessors will come and sit with us multiple times to ensure we are on track and feel like we are going to meet all of the criteria. If there are gaps in the criteria, the assessor will ensure we are given the correct types of work in order to progress through all of our qualification. This is with the NVQ side of things, the HNC/HND is controlled by Heta and are therefore not impacted by training assessors to the same extent, which I feel is a missed opportunity but where they are placed they do amazing. That was just academically but they understand there's more to becoming an engineer than ticking off criteria; they'll always make sure you have a positive mental health through the day.

It has pushed me to put myself in situations that I probably would not have otherwise. These include presenting, I always hated presenting. However, going through the business and learning and designing the presentation myself has changed this and I feel confident enough to lead meetings, something I never saw coming when signing up! The criteria is great at making sure you've done a bit of everything and doesn't go too far so that it would restrict you from anything else.

Networking events are common and sent to us via email. There are also cases where apprentices can request events, i.e. a Royal Aeronautical Society conference in London. There are social activities too and are often but never forced upon you. The area I get involved in the most is going to schools and sports centres to talk about BAE Systems' apprenticeships, this is all on company time so long as you still leave room for the NVQ work!

Yes

I have done many times. BAE Systems is a great opportunity for anyone, wanting to go to university or not! If you're wanting to get out into the working life at 16 then the technical role (what I'm doing) is a great way to get into the door for a great company. For someone leaving college with A levels, the higher scheme is also a great alternative to university due to getting a degree, a job, and getting paid.

Don't concern yourself with being the best engineer off the bat; be the most willing to learn to become one. Attend open events, learn their history and think hard for the best things to put for the application. It can be tough to think when you've been a good leader but there'll be somewhere you've taken charge in a scenario that you've not even considered and it's the kind of behaviour BAE want to develop. Dress smart for the interview, and of course a firm handshake!