Aerospace Engineering Degree Apprentice Review

Initially I learnt lots of craft related skills which were new to me but since then have been able to develop my communication skills and in general soft skills which are required to produce an efficient team in the workplace. I have also had multiple opportunities to take part in training or courses, both internal and external to enhance all work related skills and improve my self confidence to approach new tasks.

I enjoy the flexibility of the programme and how it is set out to give 5 months of experience in 6 different roles. This provides just enough time to familiarise with an area of the company to allow considerations for future roles, and confirm areas where I may or may not wish to work when I finish my apprenticeship. Furthermore I have always worked with supportive teams that have pushed my to develop myself within the workplace and make me feel like a valued member of the team.

The induction week provided at the start of the apprenticeship sets out to ensure that all apprentices have a clear view of the team hierarchy, the way the programme is structured and what support/ mentors are available for them throughout the course. An improvement could be forecasting areas of the company where there will be job growth in order to ensure all placements have a consistent level of work and cater to job demand, but other than that the programme is well structured and help and support is accessible.

Within my current team there is continued support from my manager and the team around me, however I am also aware of the Early Careers team and the guidance and support they can offer with issues not limited to within the workplace. I also have three mentors who work to help me develop myself and so do not feel concerned about having to ask for help if I encounter a problem

The training providers ensure that there is always a tutor on hand to answer emails when away from University, making it easy to remain in contact. There is also general support and guidance available which is made known to all apprentices and so they feel able to approach the University and ask for help where needed.

Generally the work I do in my daily role helps me to gain knowledge which will help my qualification, and so the two support one another as they promote asking questions and building a more solid understanding of a concept or theory which I have come across at University. I feel through research for University work I have also developed my understanding of the industry and feel more involved in the company.

My team is very sociable and so frequently takes part in opportunities outside of work to bring them closer together. Furthermore, in the past I was able to set up an internal netball team for all employees, which took place across a 6 month period and helped build my personal network. Unfortunately larger scale events are not always as well advertised as they could be however most events are accessible to all.

Yes

I believe the opportunities I have had at BAE Systems have helped me excel in my career much faster than I could have achieved in any other company. I have grown into a much more confident person and developed skills I never believed I had, and feel part of a community.

Being involved in a diverse range of activities outside of work/ college/ education is definitely beneficial when applying as you have more life experience and so have unknowingly began to develop skills such as leadership and team work which will be important in a working environment. It is also good to have knowledge of the company and the scheme you are applying for as it demonstrates your interest in the role you've applied for.