Aerospace Engineering Degree Apprentice Review

My role at BAE as an apprentice is to complete 6 five month placements around the business. I am given real tasks which contribute to contracts which BAE are working on. During my apprenticeship I am given responsibilities to run my own meetings, complete my own tasks, travel to different sites and network with various areas of the business. During placements I complete my Level 4 Diploma this ensures I am working to the apprenticeship standards.

I have learned so many skills during only the first tow years on my apprenticeship. I have completed training in CAD, BIT, Electronics and Fitting. Additionally on placements I have been involved with: creating training, writing specifications, drawing interface documents, writing memos, problem investigations, technology roadmaps, audits an process confirmations, reports and problem investigations. I have developed my networking skills massively and my skills and knowledge. Also I have gained presentational skills during my End of Placement Presentations which has given me a huge confidence boost.

I love coming into work. Work is somewhere where I feel valued. I am working to genuine contracts helping BAE Systems to satisfy customer requirements and needs. This is something not many people can say at such a young age. This has really helped me to become a better person and developed me so much in just two short years. I am so happy with how my apprenticeship is going and am so glad I chose BAE Systems.

My programme is well structured with one day release to university and 4 days at work. We have all of our placements outlined on a matrix so we know where we are going to next and all our managers names. The apprenticeship has skills coaches to check our progress and for support throughout the scheme.

I receive a lot of support t form my employer. I gain support from the Early Careers team weekly giving my help when I email or ring them. They are always there to help and offer me guidance when I am unsure. I gain support from all my managers current and old and from the networks I have created during my journey.

I gain so much support fomr my Skills coacgh with relation ot my Level 4 Diploma completion. He regularly checks what information I have uploaded and gives me feedback and areas to focus on in the future. Additionally University give me lots of help towards my Degree they are always available to email or contact and are another area of support for me in the business. If OI have problems I ma welcomed to speak to them to help me through. The University are present at all 12 week reviews and give regular reports to see areas to improve and work on.

My University degree is teaching me all aspects of the business. With tailored placements to meet the Level 4 Diploma criteria and the University modules I am becoming such a rounded individual who is able to show competence in many areas of the business. The qualification is so suited to BAE and tailored that I am gaining a wide understanding of all aspects of the business through University and my Level 4 Diploma.

Every week we get emailed about extra curricular activities at Bae. There are activities to help you in public speaking, sports clubs, celebration events, open event support, talks, lectures and weekly lunch time engagements. These are all so helpful I working towards becoming chartered. If you are showing areas you need to develop we get tailored events sent to us to help develop the skill or knowledge. I have been involved in sport competitions, engineering stretch assignments, event organisation and many more activities.

Yes

I have already gone into a school to support people wishing to apply and tell them my experiences. I have given presentations in front of 200 people to explain the scheme and the reasons why I chose BAE. I could not recommend the scheme enough I have made friends, had unbelievable experiences and enjoyed everything I have been involved in.

Be yourself in all aspects of the application process. The scheme wants to see who you are as a person. The scheme is about who you are and what you enjoy. Be confident and take time with the application process. Research into BAE Systems and make sure this is the area you want to go into. There are so many different apprenticeships that you should take time researching and find the one for you.