Manufacturing Engineer Review

I am involved with tooling requests and investigating where they would be used within the business. I'm also involved in the procurement processes when the requested tools are delivered into the business. I carry out weekly stock checks to ensure staff are updated when tools need to be delivered out into the yard. I also create catalogues to ensure tooling requesters know what product they are expecting.

I have learnt many new skills whist being with the business, both academic and practical. As I am doing a degree I am learning the theoretical side of engieering, the placements I have completed have allowed me to gain technical skills which I wouldn't otherwise have. I have also had the opportunity to do develop my communications skills and adapt my posture to suit the audience. I attend the local schools once a week to help them understand design processes and encourage them to take STEM subjects and have a carreer in them.

The programme I am currently on has allowed me to develop into an engineer. I have a supporting team and skills coach who ensure that I have the right amount of work. I really enjoy what I am doing as I get to go round site and make networks with collegues to assist with understanding their tooling requirements. The company support diversity and inclsuion which is a strong point for me.

My programme is very well organised and structured, even though this is the first year they have ran the academic course I am on. I have joined a fairly new department and I feel as though everything is very well planned. I attend college 2 days a week to complete a HNC, and am on placement the other 3 days. If i need extra time to revise or do college work my placement are very understanding and offer to help where they can.

I recieve lots of support from my employer. I have a skills coach who works very closeley with the college which I attend, this is very helpful as I always have a point of contact. I am allowed to take time out of my placement to do extra curriculum work. I have a skills center I can go to to complete any outstanding work I have. I have 12 week reviews where my employer assesses where I am academically and technically, as well as seeing whether I need any further support or extra time to complete tasks.

I recieve lots of support, if i have any issues with my course or struggling there is a training centre I can go to to revise or work. I was given the first 3 months of starting the business in the training centre to help the group settle into college then got disburst into placements once we were caught up academically. If I had any struggles whilst completing my qualifications, my training provider would pair me up with a graduate to tutor me with weaker areas of my academic learning.

My qualification is allowing me to understand the theory behind mechanical engineering which is useful to have as you can put two and two together when you see it in the business application. Without my qualification I would have a very limited knowledge on engineering in the sense I wouldn't have seen engineering drawings, CAD or the theory behind how mechanisms work and transfer motion.

Yes - there are many extra-curricular activities to take part in. These can be both job related and non job related such as sports teams. I attend STEAM club every Wednesday which involves going to the local schools and providing them with an engineering scenario. This allows me to help students during the manufacture stage (I have built water bottle rockets etc). I also have had the opportunity to work and take part in mock interviews, assessment centre days and the women in engineering day.

Yes

BAE systems are a very good company to work for with a good global reputation. There is a guarenteed qualification out of the apprenticeships (degree, HNC) depending on the chosen scheme. They have a good shares and pension incentive. The company allows you to move around the departments until you find one which suits you the most. They are very supportive academically and support you closely throughout the early careers process. There is an opportunity to progress and move up throughout the business.

If you apply based on your predicted grades, ensure you work hard to achieve the entry grades! Make sure you are prepared to complete an academic qualification whilst being in full time employment. If you get the chance to go to the assessment centres - make sure you take full advantage of it and make the day yours and enjoy it! BAE is an excellent company to work for, I wouldn't think twice about recomending the company.