EDAS Aerospace Engineer Review

Currently I am in my first year of the scheme, so three days of the week are spent at the on site college studying towards a level 2 qualification in Aerospace Engineering. This acts as a good introduction to the business, learning the processes and procedures. Day-to-day I am expected to work towards this qualification with coursework-like questions in addition to a number of practical assessed jobs in areas such as Electronics, CAD and Fitting.

The first year of the scheme aims to develop the basic skills and behavoirs for the work environment, this includes practical skills such as reading engineering drawings and working to tolerences. Working correctly to instructions is a key part of the level 2 qualification, and this is tested through a number of practical assessed jobs. Professional skills are developed through attending meetings, contacting placement managers and additionally general communication with the many other apprentices.

The majority of work is enjoyable, providing an interesting challenge in terms of problem solving. Some aspects can seem tedious however it is easy to see the wider benefit of these tasks. Due to the large intake of apprentices it is easy to make friends and these often extend to outside of work, because of this I have enjoyed the scheme so far significantly more than expected.

The timeline for the program is well set out, although changeable, it is clear what the next steps are once the Level 2 qualification is completed in terms of moving towards work placements. A matrix is available showing the placements assigned. Support is easily accessed by apprentices, a number of contacts are provided who can answer most questions or redirect the more complicated queries.

A team of skills coaches have been put in place to support the development of all EDAS apprentices, the team is excellent at providing this support and will aim to answer all questions asked. Additionally support activites often occur, for example, a review is completed every 12 weeks in order to flag up any potential concerns, and to look back at the progress made.

Blackpool and the Fylde College provide an excellent service in providing the degree program, as the classes are private to the EDAS scheme they are geared towards the needs of the apprentices rather than the needs of the college, this means that support is easily accessed through the tutors. College days are both enjoyable and rewarding.

The skills developed at college/univeristy can be directly applied to the workplace, for example through the CAD module that is currently being studied. The course at college has been designed by BAE and Blackpool to provide the knowledge needed for the workplace while also working towards a degree. This also includes more general skills such as presenting.

Often extra-curricular events are organised by fellow apprentices and colleagues, for example: -Charity Football -Quizzes -Networking events -External and internal speakers -Celebration Events These events are well organised and regular, particularly around national apprenticeship week. It is also easy to organise additional events if a group is found. Throughout the company many more events take place for example the Air EXPO event that showcased up and coming technologies within the industry.

Yes

BAE Systems provides an excellent apprenticeship, this is mostly because of the excellent support provided in terms of personal and professional development. There is also a significant level of investment across early careers, this means that the programme is of a very high standard. Oppurtunities are provided across the business and it is up to the apprentice to take advantage of these.

Read the application questions carefully and consider examples that make you different from other candidates. Try to provide as many points as possible while explaining each. Before starting the online tests revise for them using additional online resources outside after completing the ones provided. During the assessment day try to get to know the other candidates as this will help during the group task.