Graduate Engineer Review

I have changed role 4 times while on the scheme: 1. Engineering Management of Training Service Solution which includes engineering management of Procurement Solution and integration of all technical aspects of the solution. 2. Technical Management of Bids which covers electronics, airframe, avionics, radar, weapons, support solutions, testing solutions and equipment, repairs, etc. 3. Capability Insertions Management on Warships which consists of the review of all technical data required to be able to implement the solution, as well as management of the planning and acceptance of the proposed solutions. 4. Weapons Integration on Military Aircraft which consists of the design of technical solutions to enable the integration of weapons on the platforms.

Yes, I have developed my technical Knowledge of Complex Military equipment, developed my understanding of Manufacturing, Technology development programmes, Finance, support, Commercial and Project Management. I have developed my leadership and management skills, my soft skills as well as my technical skills while gaining an understanding of how the whole enterprise works.

I absolutely love the programme, I get to learn new relevant modules at university, work on complex and challenging projects, develop new skills whilst having all the professional development support and training required. I also get to work on very different Business areas and gain a great understanding of how the company works.

The programme is well structured in 6 months rotation, with regular reviews with CEng Evidence gathering support, training planned and great flexibility. There is also the opportunity to have mentors, both for Chartership application support as well as career planning. Soft skills development is also included through the inclusion of 3 Events which purposefully focus on the development of these.

I can have a corporate mentor, a functional mentor as well as a professional institution mentor to help me plan my placements, my career and my competency mapping for CEng. We are also given the opportunity to participate in "Stretch Assignments" which ensures that we develop as much as possible.

I'm not quite sure the training provider does much form a support point of view as the BAE Systems Skills Coach do a great job and give us all the support we need. For the completion of the modules however, we are given 2 support sessions by modules which is beneficial.

As I don't have a specific role but a selection of roles while on the scheme, I expect the qualification to bring me with a breadth of knowledge of elements I did not study in my Masters Degree. This is exactly what the PGDip in Engineering Competence delivers and I am therefore very satisfied. The Course enables me to be a more rounded engineer. However, the quality of the course could be improved.

Yes, we have monthly Graduate Forums which always cover a wide range of topics, we are encouraged to visit other BAE Sites, we can take part of STEM Activities as STEM Ambassadors, we can attend Forums, Lectures and Conferences frequently, we can take part of Stretch assignments which include promotion of BAE at University Campuses, Air Shows, etc. There are sports clubs and social activities are organised amongst grads very frequently.

Yes

Because you get great flexibility in your career progression, you are in charge of it. You are able to work on some of the most exiting projects out there, you can help defend our country whilst working on what you love, you get great support and work with world experts.

Go to the interview prepared. You need to ensure you know yourself and your CV perfectly to be able to answer any questions. Make sure you review the list of 50 typical questions and have read about BAE Systems and its products. Appearing genuinely passionate and motivated/interested can go a long way.