Advanced Technician Engineer Review

As an aircraft technician, my role can include anything from the following: testing on Rigs, mission systems, support, design and manufacturing. Throughout my apprenticeship, I have had the opportunity to work in each of these areas, in order to gain experience and develop my competence. Working in the Air Sector allows you to work on different aircraft platforms - Typhoon, F35 and Hawk.

During my first year, I gained fundamental practical skills such as machining, fitting, electrical wiring, soldering, 3D printing, welding and fabrication. Throughout my apprenticeship, I have developed new skills, such as testing in a Rig environment and design experience, using both CATIA and Autodesk Inventor. I have developed and improved my personal skills, for example communicational, organisational, taking responsibility and working methodically.

I enjoy every aspect of my training program! You gain experience in many different areas within the Air Sector of BAE Systems, along with having the opportunity to travel, both within and outside of the UK. I applied to be a STEM ambassador through BAE Systems and this has given me more opportunities to volunteer for, such as workshops and careers events. You are encouraged to get the most out of the apprenticeship through enrichment activities.

It is structured well; the first year is spent in the Academy for Skills & Knowledge (ASK) at Samlesbury and the remainder is working either in Warton or Samlesbury experiencing 4 month placements in different departments. Instructors and assessors are approachable and willing to help anyone if they have a problem. College is completed at the ASK by Longridge Teaching Centre.

There is always support available for apprentices, whether it is through the instructors and assessors at the ASK or if it is through the help site for employees. BAE Systems care about physical and mental wellbeing. This is shown in the 12 week learner reviews, undertaken by the assessors, who will ask if there is any additional support you require.

BAE Systems assessors and instructors are based at the ASK, assessors hold 12 week reviews and are also contactable through Lync (Skype for business) and email. If I have had any issues throughout my apprenticeship, I have been able to resolve these through emails or meetings with my assessors. Longridge Teaching Centre - college provider - are based at the ASK throughout the week. If you have an issue working towards BTEC Level 3, HNC or HND they are available to the apprentices.

The criterion that I must satisfy throughout my apprenticeship are relevant and tend towards my work environment. My NVQ Level 3 is linked strongly to the areas in which my placements may be, such as support and working with customers and suppliers. Complying with Health and Safety requirements and behaviours are also key factors I must satisfy through my qualification.

I applied to be a STEM ambassador through BAE Systems, which was encouraged through the apprenticeship Early Careers team. I have taken part in a number of workshops with schools along with supporting careers events at local high schools and colleges. The ASK hold a number of Careers Events, in which those interested in joining one of the apprenticeship programs, are able to talk to apprentices and find out more information. I have had the opportunity to go to World Skills Live as stand manner, listened to an Education Summit and hosted tours around the ASK facility. In the later years of my apprenticeship, myself and another apprentice set up the Peer Support Network, which is available to all apprentices if they have any questions and queries as well as encouraging cross scheme interaction.

Yes

It is a worldwide company, constantly investing into future development. Apprentices are the future of the company and therefore your thoughts and ideas are always taken into consideration. You are respected as a BAE Systems employee within the business, and as the placements allow you to move into different departments, you are able to take the opportunity to network. Apprentices are given a competitive salary with annual leave as well as flexi time.

Take time in your application, get others to read through it before you submit it; whether this be teachers, parents or friends. Make yourself stand out by taking part in enrichment activities outside of your education/current job. Challenge yourself to take part in new experiences, as you will be able to use these in your application/interview answers.