Combat Systems Higher Apprentice Review

I work alongside systems engineers working on the Physical Integration of selected combat systems. this involves using the 3D visualtion suite, attending system and compartment reviews and working with and updated cable schedules and system schematics on AutoCad

Continuing to develop my AutoCad skills along with learning new functionality within Microsoft Word & Excel. As the appointed team leader of the Apprentice Innovation Challenge team, I have also developed my leadership and time management skills, balancing my normal workload alongside leading and coordinating the Innovation Challenge workload

I thoroughly enjoy the programme I am on. I have just finished 2 years on placement with the ACA working on HMS Prince of Wales Aircraft Carrier. The once in a lifetime opportunity to work on the UK's largest ever warship was an amazing experience and a fantastic learning opportiunity. The skills and knowledge I developed whilst on the project for 2 years and also whilst at sea on the ship for 7 weeks, gave me an amazing insight into the later stages of the Lifecycle of a complex project

My programme has been a little fluid throughout. This is due to my placements being incredibly interesting and my request to have some of them extended. Our college work was very well structured, but my in-work placements have been more of a discussion with my line manager, which has worked very well for me and allowed me to ensure i gain maximum exposure to the areas of the business that can provide me with new experiences and learning opportunities

I am lucky to have had the support of my line manager and placement manager throughout my apprenticeship. My line manager has been supportive of any issues I have encountered, both work based and in my personal life. The support i recieve whilst on placement is outstanding, everyone is very proactive in explaining and teaching me anything I am unsure of.

I now only have an SVQ qualification to complete. I meet with my assessor every 6/8 weeks, however I have completed the scope of work now and am awaiting it to be assessed and verified

Unfortunately my courses and qulaifications are not particularly useful in my current role. The training recieved was exceptionally interesting and valuable, but sadly it does not transfer across to my current role.

I am involved in the strect assignment - Apprentice Innovation Challenge which challenges a team of apprentices to undertake a project to design and build equipment that will benefit and improve the lives or injured veterans. I have also been involved in golf outings arranged through work. I have attended Family open days in Rosyth and previously in Govan

Yes

Its a company that is always striving to improve in all areas. This means it is keen to ensure it's employee's are as knowledgable and skilled as possible. This allows all employee's the scope to undertake additional training supported by the company to upskill their talents. In addition the company offers many benefits to employee's including flexible working, share option scheme and a yearly bonus

Research the company, the products and its core values. The products the company builds are incredibly vital to the country's security and also to the helath and safety of our Armed Forces. Working for BAE Systems is an opportunity to develop your skills and career whilst at the same time working on projects that will go on to make the country safer and the job of the Armed Forces hopefully easier and safer