Engineering Higher Apprentice Review

I am currently coming to the end of a 6 month skills development course to give me and insight into various engineering disciplines. I will then move through multiple different placements in the business, aiming to find the most appropriate area, which I will then start my career in.

I have had the opportunity to experience a hands on approach to engineering. Practicing with various hand tools to produce a product to a specification and also developed my written skills when producing plans and reports on my work.

I am enjoying the start to my apprenticeship and have built good working relationships with my colleagues and supervisors in a short period of time. COVID has slowed the process down and affected how often I am working from home, but I am still extremely proud to have got myself on this apprenticeship and I look forward to my placements in the coming months.

It is noticeable that the structure to the apprenticeship has been somewhat altered, in order to work around the current pandemic. I feel that this has been managed as well as possible in light of these unprecedented circumstances. My first placement is being organised for the coming months and I am hopeful and excited that this can continue as normal, so that I can get the best experience possible.

I feel that my supervisors and apprentice managers would provide me with the support I need, should I ask for it. I can contact them with ease and can expect a supportive response at all times.

I am studying a HNC in Mechanical Engineering. Some teachers are working very hard to give me the correct amount of teaching In readiness for exams and assignments. However, there are other teachers which lack the enthusiasm to get me through my course, potentially effecting my grades. We began the course behind schedule and have been rushed ever since.

The HNC qualification definitely helps towards my understanding of various practical and theoretical problems in the workplace. A steady stream of work keeps my mind focused and benefits my performance at work. Having assignments and exams is tough, but it personally helps to motivate me in college and in the workplace.

I believe there are extra-curricular activities offered at my workplace. However, I have not been introduced to any due to the current pandemic restricting any public activities. I would definitely join these if I were able to.

Yes

BAE Systems offer a stable support network for its apprentices, of all levels. It is a tough and competitive apprenticeship to apply for, but is certainly worth the commitment, should you receive an offer. They provide a competitive salary, pay for you’re qualification and give you the opportunity to rotate around various placements in the business, to help you find a career which you can thrive in.

Be yourself through out the application process. You will be recognised for you’re willingness to learn and eagerness to better yourself. The process is lengthy, so stick at it! Because if you receive an offer, you will have the ability to shape you’re career with the right attitude. I am 21, slightly older than my peers, but decided to apply anyway. I am now ready to begin my first placement and cannot wait to experience different areas of the business, to discover my future career at BAE Systems.