Engineering Degree Apprentice Review

Depending on, which stage you are at in the apprenticeship, the role is varied. In the first 6 months, apprentices are based at a learning academy in which different areas such as CAD, Electronics, Fitting and Business improvement techniques are covered. These learning modules complement to a Level 2 diploma qualification. After the initial 6 months, apprentices are moved into a wide range of placements, each lasting 5 months. Day to day roles can include assisting placement managers and the designated team with tasks assigned. Generally, the tasks will be based and help towards the criteria to tick of competencies for the level 4 diploma which is ongoing for 3 years. Competencies such as design engineering, solving engineering problems, networking, health and safety and others. Currently, I am working from home on placement within the Engineering Assurance department. Working from home brings its own challenges, and because of the lack of physical presence of team, there are numerous team meetings throughout the week.

The apprenticeship is based all around the apprentice's development. With time and experience, many skills and qualities are learnt and developed. In the work place, skills such as time management, scheduling, networking are all key and are built over time. The apprenticeship involves studying for a degree, and through the various engineering modules taught, the apprentice gains a lot more understanding of the engineering world. Hence, many new skills are learnt and can sometimes correlate directly to work carried out within placement. The company also actively offer and encourage training courses. I recently undertook a week long TRIZ training course, which explored problem solving techniques.

So far, I have enjoyed my scheme from the learning academy to the work placement at the moment. I think the best part for me is having the opportunity to experience working in different departments and getting a idea of the different engineering disciplines. There are so many opportunities flying about to get involved with and the early career managers always encourage this. Sadly, due to the current situation, I have been working from home for the past 10 months and have missed out on work place experience being on site. Nevertheless, all efforts are made to try make the work placements as beneficial as possible.

I think the scheme is very well structured. There are three main aspects which are the academic side, diploma work and placement work. The apprentice works towards a BEng Degree in Aerospace Engineering at Blackpool & Fylde College, whilst also collating evidence for a level 4 diploma, as well as having a full time job within a team. The scheme has been running for over 5 years now, and has continually improved each year. The scheme is made to support and develop the apprentice for 5 years till completion, ready for the individual to go into the business.

Being an apprentice, means being very independent and handling time correctly. It is important to know who to ask for help when needed, and in my opinion there is enough platforms and ways for help to be reached. There are always skills coaches and safeguarding officers who are just a skype call away, also anyone from the early careers managers. There are also many services offered by the company in these tough times, such as the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) which can be accessed 24/7.

Generally, university studies are given priority over other work. The support received from university tutors is great. The classes are smaller than conventional lectures and so it is a bit more personal and easier to ask for support. Development reviews are carried out regularly at work and a representative from the university attends and also gives a report of progress. The work managers understand the qualification the apprentice is working towards and usually will always support when possible. This could be in the form of allowing a couple of hours a week to catchup on university work whilst in the office, or easing the work load during exams seasons.

I think everything that is learnt in university if of course relevant to the degree, and in some cases can help with placement work, depending on the type of work you have. Some of the skills learnt at uni can aid work in placement. For example, at uni we study CFD, which is widely used in the business so the skills are learnt and can be implemented if ever given the chance to work in an aerodynamic department. In my personal experience, learning CAD at university helped me perform much better in my day job when working with a similar CAD software in the office. However, much of the work within the placements, which have no linkage to current academic work whatsoever.

Yes. In normal times, the company offer loads to get involved with. Throughout the year there are many professional networking events on site and offsite. In terms of activities, the national apprentice council organise many events especially in national apprentice week or for any charity events. Also, apprentice get the chance to attend mental health awareness events. STEM ambassador volunteering opportunities are well supported and encouraged. However, at the moment much of that isn't possible, so it is a bit difficult to say. There are more online webinars that one can sign up for.

Yes

BAE systems apprenticeship provide a great opportunity to earn a university degree as well as working full time earning a competitive salary. Also, throughout the scheme, gaining invaluable experience of working in industry which a normal university student would not get. The company is huge with big opportunities internationally. I think the scheme is a no brainer to kickstart your career at an early age. The career prospects within the company are exciting. There are so many different departments within the sector and definitely jobs that would fit any engineers expectation.

My advice would be to put time and effort into the application as it is definitely worth applying for. Consider it applying for a full time job, rather than just an apprenticeship. Include any activities that you are involved in as ultimately you are applying for a job and the interviewers will assess you as a person and not just your grades. Also, to take some time to practise before actually doing the online tests.