Aerospace Engineering Degree Apprentice Review

As an apprentice, I spend the 5 years moving around different functions of the engineering business gaining enough experience to complete my degree. On a day-to-day basis I have responsibilities to complete tasks and projects for my designated placement manager while also completing work towards a Level 4 diploma.

There is plenty of opportunity for additional training in both professional and personal skills with a mix of internal and external courses provided. There is a big emphasis on increasing skills within the business. This apprenticeship on completion also will provide me with three separate qualifications as well as all the job based skills. Since starting I have developed both soft and job specific skills.

The work that I do is vary varied and interesting and the company culture sits well with my values. The placement teams are very welcoming to apprentices and are keep to help them develop. The early careers team also provide excellent support with regular learning reviews and check ups. I am really enjoying the programme so far and think I will leave the scheme with enough skills and knowledge to succeed in my role.

The programme has 3 defined stages with an initial 6 months in a training facility undergoing induction and initial training. This is followed by 6 placements in different areas of the business before completing a 2 year placement in an area of choosing to complete the degree. Paid college learning and study is done through day release. There are regular learning support reviews with mentors and some areas have additional mentors for work related support.

There is a good attitude of keeping up support for all apprentices throughout there scheme which is highly accessible and regular. Not only this but apprentices are entitled to the same level of support as other employees in terms of equipment or medical help etc. Managers and colleagues will always provide guidance and help when they can as it benefits them to have apprentices succeed.

My training providers are very accessible through the week and provide the same additional support i.e. 1-to-1 tutors, online library resources etc. that full time students receive. The lesson tutors are always happy to help and have a good attitude towards supporting students. I am enjoying my studies so far because of the supportive atmosphere the college provides.

A lot of the knowledge gained through the qualification is helpful to specific placements but the base skills such as MATLAB or CAD training are more easily transferrable skills to the placements. However despite this the knowledge from study helps achieve an overall understanding of the systems that are dealt with on a daily basis and helps greatly with the context and background of the work.

For the apprentice population there are plenty of team building and networking events to attend and within the wider business there are a variety of professional networking groups to get involved with who often hold events. Within placement teams there are often opportunities for social communication or activities.

Yes

BAE Systems provide an excellent degree apprenticeship scheme with plenty of support and opportunities for development alongside the learning. Whatever scheme is chosen will provide a great start to your career and the variety of placements will give a wide understanding of the business and the services it provides.

Skills like communication, willingness to learn and develop yourself, responsibility and organisation/time keeping skills are all valuable and are worth developing as BAE Systems are looking for employees to exhibit behaviours like these. Another tip would be to take all opportunities for experience that are presented as these will help greatly on assessment days and in interviews as they will show your enthusiasm and are good talking points to show off skills and behaviours.