Aerospace engineer Review

My day-to-day role was to learn how to utilise the different machines in the workshop and understand what everything does. I am also taught the different techniques used to produce a variety of different products using the lathes and milling machines. We also moved onto different sections like fitting and Business Improvement Training as they are key skills we need to have.

Yes, definitely. When we went on The Outward Bound Trust experience, we learnt crucial skills to help us in our everyday lives and situations. This included things like communication between colleagues, leadership and management when being in control of groups, and others such as presenting our work in front of a big group of people.

Joining the apprenticeship straight out of school was a big relief for me. I didn't enjoy school and I got bored very easily, hence why when I found out I got on the scheme I was over the moon that I could finally do something I wanted to do. There's not been one day where I wish I had taken a different route after school because I really enjoy what I do.

Personally, I think it is okay. There have been some moments where I thought why are we doing this to then do this etc which confused me however I just got on and did what they wanted us to do. For instance, we went straight onto machining, which is our profession, and then after a few weeks we did fitting, which is more hands on. I would've preferred it if we did fitting first before machining as I knew that I could do the processes of fitting on the machines 10x as quick so doing fitting when we did do it frustrated me a bit. However, the majority of the organisation within the programme seemed to flow well and it worked.

The company as a whole demonstrated how supportive they were from the start by doing a lot of presentations about mental health and giving us contacts if we needed to speak to anyone about anything. Also, if you needed help but didn't know where to find it, you could simply ask around and someone would point you in the direction you needed to go

I feel as though Burnley are always there for help if it is needed. I know this because at the end of every lesson we are asked if we are all okay with the work set and what we have been taught in the lesson. We are also told during the lesson that if we have any questions that we should ask them there and then whilst on the topic. Personally, I have never needed any help, however I know that if apprentices need it then it is there.

Due to having a working standard to achieve, being my level 3 engineering qualification, it makes me very dedicated to my work as without this qualification I cannot progress and become a fully skilled machinist on site. I won't be entitled to shifts or shift pay and I would feel as though I have failed myself so without the qualification in sight there is a chance I wouldn't work as hard or be as motivated to do my job.

Just off site, there is a sports hall where employees can walk to and enjoy a few games of badminton or squash or tennis etc. BAE also compete in the UK skills challenge against other companies whereby several people from different trades come together and are challenged to each make the set job as quick as they can and in the best quality and methods.

Yes

The opportunities here are great and everyone is really friendly. The company look after you very well and in the job role I am in it feels very safe and secure. You often hear of people spending their whole careers here and it's obvious why they do because it is such a great company to work for.

Be honest about your background and previous jobs etc because the company are very security strict and if your background checks and who you say you are don't match up then you will just get turned away. I also recommend that you do research into the company: What do they build? What is the purpose of BAE Systems? What countries do they operate in? etc etc