Aerospace Software Engineer Review

I develop software based engineering solutions and work across sectors of the AIR side of the company at Warton. Every morning I attend a summary meeting to report progress and any potential problems im having with the work. My line manager and other employees allow me access to an expansive range of experience, providing training and advice through the assignment of development tasks, as well as work.

We study for a software engineering degree at the university of central Lancashire two days a week. We also progress through a level 4 diploma in aerospace software engineering in our work placements the remaining three days a week. On the job training has already allowed me to develop skills in the professional implementation of various programming languages and systems.

The company culture at BAE is brilliant, apprentices are respected and well rewarded for good work. My team has helped me integrate into the work culture seamlessly. The course has met and exceeded my expectations and because of the variation of work and interest the work environment fuels, you are always busy.

The induction was held at the apprentice skills and training centre in Samlesbury, where we met our course instructors, who held various activities to help the apprentices meet each other and get used to the building. We then engaged in an area specific training period where we learnt some basic programming practices in C#, meeting our placement managers in the same week. We then went on to start work at our placements the following week, having had two weeks to get used to the sites we would be working at.

The company provides a comprehensive employee support network, with faculties such as occupational health working closely with the union to ensure apprentices, like employees are well looked after. The company intranet provides links for everything you may have a concern about, ensuring you always know where to look if you have a problem, during the induction you are provided with the information of your mentors and support personnel.

UCLAN provide a great support network for students, however the course can start slowly as it is shared with normal students taking computer science modules as they have to accommodate for everyone. Most of the lecturers are friendly and allow you to progress through the work at your own pace.

The degree in software engineering and the level four diploma serve to increase your usefulness to the company, allowing exceptional personal development and advancement through both the education received at university and in the work placements. You find that what you learn in your placements applies to the modules in university and visa versa.

The company hosts frequent networking events both within and outside of the company. In working weeks there are frequently activities you can engage in at lunch time like an apprentice football team. BAE Systems hosts regular events to keep you informed on their wider activities. They also collaborate with other universities and companies, allowing apprentices to compete in challenges with other centres like the swarm drone defence competition at Cranfield.

Yes

Its a fantastic apprenticeship provider, the opportunity to work in such a large and developed company is unparalleled in England. With less financial pressure and such an excellent community, you are able to develop freely with fewer pressures, provided you work hard. Its definitely worth applying for if you have an interest in software engineering or aerospace engineering.

Allow your personality and interests to perspire in your application, use good English and grammar and ensure you have a portfolio of projects and self driven accomplishments to prove that you are an aspiring software engineer. Take relevant STEM qualifications in college and aim for maximum grades. Develop yourself outside of work and college to ensure you come into the company ready to integrate yourself in such a professional environment.