Engineering Technician Apprentice Review

I do work in the 3D CAD model in which I am always changing or measuring components. As I am in the Structures team I am usually calculation something to with the main structure of the ship, then completing the paperwork that goes alongside it. This work is then passed on to the next person in the line in which they can use my work to complete other work.

I have learned the etiquette of working in an office, as well as key communication skills. This comes hand in hand with attending meetings and sending emails back and forth to colleagues in regards to work issues or queries. I have also gained computer skills and learned how to work a variety of software's and programs since starting my apprenticeship.

I really enjoy the work here at BAE Systems as it is real work I am given, and not just exercises etc. I feel I am really making a difference and helping out the company with what I am completing on a day-to-day basis. However, I do wish that there was more "hands-on" work within the business for technicians as it can be monotonous sitting behind a desk all day, every day.

I feel the programme is somewhat structured in terms of the general workplace side as we have a placement plan and we know where we will be going. However, I feel like within college, a lot of the classes aren't as structured and feel like we are just doing classes for the sake of doing it. For example we had missed classes and essential lessons last year in First year. We were then assessed of the work we hadn't been taught in the end of year Graded unit.

In general I would say I receive an excellent level of support from my employer regardless of the issue. My company are highly involved in supporting the workforce with launching various programmes to help support people in need. For example, Mental health hotlines and Occupational health. My company also uses a buddy system in some cases to help less experienced employees have a go-to person if they have any questions.

I received an ample amount of support from my training provider in terms of what we had already been taught as a group. However, as [previously mentioned, we had not been placed in the correct class/the lecturer had not gave us the right lessons on vital content. This content was then assessed within the end of year graded unit, which determines the grade of out qualification.

I feel a lot of the classes we have been provided with by our training provider are useful and help me perform better in my role. I am in the structures discipline and there were various mechanical classes that help me and give me a better understanding of the work I am doing. Also, we had to complete presentation in front of a group in college which has helped me gain the confidence to do this in the workplace.

I am part of the STEM programme in my workplace. This is where other STEM ambassadors along with myself attend various events to promote the Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) subjects to various young people around my area. This can range from going to schools career days to hosting events of our own.

Yes

It is a great company to work for, with great benefits and rewards throughout my apprenticeship, as well when I am time served. I really enjoy the work I am given and it is interesting and makes me feel as though I am making an impact on the business with the work I am handing over to the next employee.

The advice I would give to anyone applying to BAE Systems is be confident in yourself. Ensure you are fairly knowledgeable about the basics of ships as you will likely be asked this. Make sure you read up on the apprenticeship and the work involved before joining, because it might not be what some people think.