Combat Systems Higher Apprentice Review

Tasks can vary from learning about how systems on the ship operate. I also clear any non conformant items on the defect list that have been updated as awaiting clearance now the fault has been corrected. I am also responsible for purchasing any items not provided or damaged in process of fitting equipment.

My communication skills have improved over my time on several projects. This has came from being in meetings or even asking for help. The staff that I have been surrounded by have been very helpful and generous in sharing their knowledge. My time keeping has also improved, developing this skill has allowed me to work to deadlines set by management.

I enjoy the programme I have undertaken. However I feel that more engineering based training provided for my intake would have been very beneficial as we were mainly taught computing skills which do come in handy in day to day situations. I feel we have missed out on a chance to develop a better understanding of engineering itself and develop better problem solving skills in the engineering industry.

The programme itself is well organised having a good line manager has allowed us to voice any problems we have had throughout our time in the company. Some of the courses my intake undertook in college have not been of any use during my time in the company and I do believe this has been altered due to feedback.

I personally cannot fault the support I have received from my employer. My line manager is very approachable and has helped me a lot through various work related and personal problems I have experienced during my time in the company. The support from colleagues around me has also been very good. I have been made to feel like part of a team and I feel that my opinion is heard in most situations.

I received excellent support from my training provider. Lecturers from college were very supportive and were always asking if we needed help or encouraging us to achieve the best possible marks that we could. I also felt that they were easy too approach if there were any issues outside of a college day. They made it very easy for us to contact them via email and help us solve any issues we had on projects that we undertook outside of college.

My qualifications are mainly based in a computing environment. It does have its limitations to bringing that into an engineering environment. If the opportunity arose to work in a computing based position I would be very suitable for the role however majority of the computing that I do on a daily basis are writing word documents not of the level to which I have gained qualifications.

We are encouraged to get involved in STEM activities. This can involve going to careers fairs or visiting schools. I have also given presentations to visitors in the business, mainly at a younger high school audience who are looking at going down the engineering route in their careers. I have enjoyed doing these kind of events however it can sometimes be hard to fit them around work which I feel is of a higher priority at this point in my career.

Yes

BAE Systems is a fantastic company to work for with a bright future. They look to make you into the best person. They are always there to support you through your career and the amazing opportunities they have provided me thus far, makes me look forward to the future with them and anyone who is offered the chance to take a career with them should grab it with both hands.

Take time whilst filling out your application form. Make sure its eye catching and stands out. Try not to brag and talk yourself up and give an insight into what you would like to achieve from working with the company, be honest about what your interests are and what interests you about the role you are applying for within the company