Fabrication Apprentice Review

My role as an fabrication apprentice involves plate work as part of a warship support team. I am assigned tasks which are relevant to my skillset in order to complete a job. When a task is completed, I may be moved to a different ship or onto a different task.

I have acquired a number of new skills in the first 18 months of my apprenticeship, which have helped me complete all of the assigned tasks within the training centre and subsequently when moving on to the placement scheme. It has been very satisfying progressing my academic and practical skills.

The extent to which I enjoy the programme knows no bounds. It has given me a new lease of life and my involvement in apprenticeship work and extra curricular activities has been satisfying. I would rate my apprenticeship experience 9 out of 10 stars so far. It is better than my previous university experience.

The organisation and structure of the programme has been good overall. There have been some un avoidable issues with the order some sections were completed. However despite some small issues, everything was completed successfully within the time limit we had for the first year, and I was sent out placement at the start of the second year.

I have received good support from my employer for many things through out my apprenticeship. Whether is has been for personal issues or achievements right through to practical and academic issues and achievements. There is plenty of further support that I would be able to access if it were necessary.

I have received good support from my employer for many things through out my apprenticeship. Whether is has been for personal issues or achievements right through to practical and academic issues and achievements. There is plenty of further support that I would be able to access if it were necessary.

The qualification teaches me the necessary skills I need to perform well in my role. I have classroom training once a week and will be learning further practical skills whilst on placement. The first year of the apprenticeship gave me sufficient knowledge to be confident when moving on to placement.

I was involved in the extra curricular activities on my apprenticeship. These included the Royal Navy boat challenge which took place at HMS Sultan where other companies and colleges entered their apprentices also. I am also currently involved in the innovation challenge where we have been tasked with improving a medical device for broken legs. There was also a social evening where a few apprentices including myself very invited to meet Royal Navy apprentices and other members of BAE staff.

Yes

I would recommend BAE systems to a friend because the opportunities available to progress throughout the company and specialise in specific trades is excellent. The apprentices is more rewarding that a equivalent engineering university course and will give you valuable practical experience but also work environment experience. I would recommend.

The advice I would give would be to someone applying to BAE would be to learn about the company before, ensure you have a passion for engineering and be thorough in the application process. This will give someone the best opportunity to succeed in the application and interview process. The opportunity presented to you is excellent and is not to be dismissed lightly.