Aerospace Engineering Degree Apprentice Review

Being an apprentice at BAE Systems, no day is ever the same. You are asked to attend various meetings within your departments to learn more about the wider scope of work that is done. Day-to-day, team work is essential to allow you to complete work. Through networking, you can gain experiences of other business areas and projects, such as F-35, Typhoon, Tornado or Tempest.

Whilst at the Academy of Skills and Knowledge, I developed various practical skills through fitting and electronics modules. These included completing tasks which required you to file, drill, rivet and solder materials to specific dimensions and tolerances. Since starting my placements, I have developed existing skills such as communication, team work, organisation and confidence. I find myself being regularly pushed out of my comfort zone which allows me to both improve and develop my current abilities.

I have definitely enjoyed the apprenticeship thus far. You will come across work within placements which you may not enjoy, however this is part of the learning process. It allows you to discover areas of the business you would like to progress into when you come to the end of the apprenticeship, and areas you wouldn't. I enjoy working within teams and value the network of contacts I have made through moving between departments.

The programme is well structured. Within BAE Systems, an Aerospace Engineering Degree Apprentice follows a set pathway: 6 months basic training in the Academy for Skills and Knowledge learning skills such as fitting, electronics and computer aided design. This period is then followed by 6x 5 month placements in various departments around the business, typically split across both Warton and Samlesbury sites. Placements vary from apprentice to apprentice, but typically include departments covering areas like mechanical systems, design, product support and systems engineering. This is then followed by a final 2 year placement which brings you to completion of the apprenticeship.

So far, I have found BAE Systems to be an extremely supportive employer. Each apprentice cohort is assigned to a Skills Coach, who helps to guide you through the completion of your Level 4 Diploma. They are also there to carry out reviews and help to sort out any problems you may have within your placements. The rest of the Early Careers team are also there to support you in your work.

The external training provider is Blackpool and the Fylde College, however the degree is awarded by Lancaster University. The majority of tutors are willing to help you with your assignment work and revision for exams. Useful content is uploaded to Moodle so is accessible for revision for exams or completion of assignments. Sometimes it is difficult for the tutors to help every student, especially if the cohort is large.

I think that the Degree delivered by Blackpool and the Fylde College helps a lot with the work I undertake in my placements. Covering modules such as Aerodynamics and Electronics will help with any placements and will give you a background to the work that is carried out within the business. I wouldn't say that the University work I have completed so far has helped me massively in my placements, however this is due to the nature of the work and the tasks I have been given to complete.

Yes there are opportunities for extra-curricular activities if you are proactive and volunteer yourself for things. Those who volunteered for activities and projects early on in the apprenticeship tend to be the same people who are asked time and again because they have shown that they are keen. The most common extra-curricular activities include helping at open events and completing stretch projects. With respect to social activities, it all depends on how well your cohort get along, and the networking you do inside of work.

Yes

BAE Systems is an inclusive company, where if you work hard, you will get the rewards you deserve. There are numerous opportunities for both professional and personal progression in your apprenticeship. The Early Careers team help to guide you through your diploma, and ultimately your degree. The scheme is well structured and provides you with the skills and knowledge you will need for a career in Aerospace Engineering.

Start early. Don't leave your application until the last minute. Make sure that you read the application questions carefully and try to hit the word limit on each question. Make sure that you read through your answers, get a family member or friend to read through it too to make sure it makes sense and all information you have included is relevant...all answers should be concise and straight to the point. Make sure that you do some research into the company and the scheme too to make sure that you are applying for the one that is right for you!