Graduate Engineer Review

I'm currently working in the Typhoon Air Vehicle Team, working in the Aerodynamics - Flight Mechanics team. A mathematical model of the Typhoon aerodynamics has been created, and is constantly updated. This model is known as the dataset, and my major task to date has involved looking at the directional stability values of the dataset and making recommendations in terms of whether an dataset update is required.

The company is very good in terms of personal development. Through workshops I've understood the importance of personal growth, and I've identified competencies I would like to improve. So far I've had experience presenting to our European partners, and attended exhibitions where I've gained valuable networking experience.

Whilst my day job has been really enjoyable, the Level 7 apprenticeship commitments have been quite taxing. As part of the programme we have to complete a Post-Graduate Diploma in Engineer Competence, with Cranfield University. Due to the fact I (and a lot of other graduates) already have a masters, this course has been seen as an unnecessary distraction from our day jobs.

The programme is not very well organised, as it is constantly been updated. My cohort was the second year to undergo the Level 7 apprenticeship, and it was stated that a lot had been learnt from the previous year (and that the process would be much smoother), but this was not the case.

The support from BAE Systems has been outstanding. As someone who has recently been through a lot in my personal life, I turned to colleagues at work for some help. I was given paid leave to deal with my difficult time, and I was put in touch with relevant colleagues who I could talk to. The support really has been faultless.

There has not been much support from Cranfield University in terms of working towards my qualifications. Me and a number of other graduates had to miss a module due to an overlap with a BAE Systems mandatory training course. The end result was to push the module back a year, in-between 2 other modules and a group project. Even though we explained this would be too much, nothing was done.

As I already have a master degree I don't see the benefit of the Post-Graduate diploma in Engineer Competence. The content was similar to some modules I completed in 1st Year of University, and so I've been very underwhelmed by the quality of the content. If the course was focused on Aircraft engineering I could have saw the benefit.

There are many extra-curricular activities to get involved in. One requirement for the scheme is that you spend at least 20% of your time doing off-the-job training. There are many opportunities to take, and, if you have a manager who is appreciative of personal development, you can gain a lot of experience that might be difficult to get with your day job. Recently the company has orchestrated a series of onsite aerodynamics lectures, covering specific fields run by the respective field-specialists.

Yes

BAE Systems is a great company to work for. They offer a competitive salary along with bonuses. A flexible working policy is adopted allowing you flexibility in choosing your working hours. There is an environment of pursuing personal growth, which will allow me to become a better engineer for the future.

My advice for others applying to BAE Systems would be to draw on relevant past experience. Don't rely solely on academic qualifications or certificates. Instead try to assemble a bank of interesting experiences relating back to the competencies at the heart of BAE Systems, these being Trusted, Innovative and Bold.