Technician Apprentice Review

I am currently in my fourth placement within the Air Sector business. This is working with the Air Lab team. My role is to look at model-based synthetic environments and how we can utilize them to produce useful and accurate data. For example, doing a flight test in a modelling environment. This is also looking at future concepts and prospects within the aerospace industry and how we can utilize the idea of simulation to help simulate virtual trials.

So far I have obtained a BTec Level 2 in Advanced Manufacturing. I am currently looking at completing my BTec Level 3. During this process, I have gained and developed many skills . Some key skills that I have developed include, confidence, communication and teamworking ability. I have been able to apply and develop these skills in real life scenarios and also learn how to develop and apply this over a virtual environment. I have also learnt a lot about engineering processes throughout my varied roles in my placement rotations. This also allowed me to understand the governance and company policies better.

This apprenticeship program is extremely enjoyable as it is full of new and exciting experiences and opportunities. We move departments every couple of months to get a taster of different areas within the business. This allows us to learn about the various aspects of the engineering lifecycle. It allows for continuous personal development and allows you to enjoy the work you complete. There is plentiful support and opportunities to study further. There also opportunities to complete stretch-assignments to broaden your skillsets. For example, BAE Systems support STEM activities.

The apprenticeship program is very well structured. The first year is involves off-site training, which allows you to gain the necessary knowledge and skillsets required for going out and working inside the business and workplace. The structure of the program allows you to experience a variety of work in various departments. This allows you to develop your skills and knowledge effectively. As well as this, there are study days. This allows you to develop your knowledge further, allowing you to apply it to your day to day role.

There is a fantastic support network available. This includes close support from the colleagues and staff you work with. For example, your supervisor or line manager. As well as this, there are support lines that you can call for advice or help. All these support lines are easily accessible through our local intranet. We also have regular PDR meetings with our skills coach. This opens opportunities to ask for guidance or support. Weekly meetings with our supervisors are also organized to discuss the work and understand whether any support is required. With Working From Home, plenty of resources and support has been provided including wellbeing and mental health support.

Each apprentice is assigned to a skills coach. This allows for continuous support for working towards your qualification. The skills coaches are contactable and approachable and provide guidance on completing criteria to help achieve the qualification required. Early careers also provide tremendous support for both general and qualification related matters. They also employ a college to provide us with our vocational qualifications. This allows us to further develop our knowledge and skillsets. It is also extremely enjoyable and the qualification allows us to experience a variety of roles.

The qualification is relevant and heavily related to my day to day role. As a result, I am able to put some of the theoretical work I have gained into a practical application. The qualification has allowed me to learn much more about the engineering industry and will allow me to feel more confident when completing work in an engineering environment. For example, learning about the health and safety of the manufacturing workshop floor will make me aware and keep me safe.

There are plenty of extra-curricular activities and opportunities to get involved with aside from our primary roles at work. This involves supporting STEM activities. For example, hosting fun STEM classes at schools to give the younger generation a feel for how STEM is widely used in the engineering industry. There are also options to represent the company at the UK World Skills event. This allows you to put your skills to the test and compete against others. For example, competing at CAD.

Yes

An apprenticeship at BAE Systems is a fantastic opportunity to learn and get involved with aerospace engineering at the front-end. It provides great opportunities for personal development to gain and learn new skills. It is also an amazing opportunity to work with extremely supportive and knowledgeable teams and learn from their wisdom. You are able to experience a wide range of engineering roles and study at the same time. They also provide a fantastic wage!

Ensure that you include any extra-curricular / voluntary work that you have got involved with in your application. What makes you stand out from others? Also, ensure that you have some knowledge of the company. Do your research on the website and learn about BAE Systems. Try to also see what you can bring to BAE Systems and how you can use what you already know to bring positive change to the business. Finally, understand your aspirations and what you want to get out of the apprenticeship.