Engineering Higher Apprentice Review

Through my apprenticeship we get to move around different parts of the business to experience different job titles and parts of the company. This helps us to figure out what we enjoy the most and where we fit in within the business the best. I have moved between two different projects. On my first project I was helping with improving the power generation systems on Type 45 destroyers and since then I moved onto working on supporting the Royal Navy with their radar systems.

During our apprenticeship we get to complete a level 4 HNC in general engineering as well as working towards an engineering portfolio which will is used for the engineering standard as evidence of work we have completed during our time. When we join the business for the first time we complete a level 2 PEO to gain basic engineering skills and knowledge required for working within marine engineering environments. We are also encouraged to complete any extra internal training courses when they become available.

We get to meet various people throughout the apprenticeship, whether its through the projects we work on or other apprentices we meet on our scheme. All the projects I have worked on so far I have enjoyed the work I was given and the people I met through working in the business are really nice. The programme allows me to learn new things and meet new and interesting people which makes it a very enjoyable experience.

The programme has a standard running schedule and scheme. The first starting week is always an induction week which is used to relay the most important information and get any relevant paperwork done. Within the first few month we get basic training within the Naval Base training facility and once we are moved out into the business we get introduced into projects which go through their own inductions and training relevant to the project itself.

We are in constant communication with our managers. Our apprenticeship manager reaches out for an update and catch up on a regular basis and we are made aware of who to contact if we have any issues with any matter within the business as well as some external places we can go for advice. When we are in a placement we can usually speak to our manager about any issues we are having as well as regular reviews to go over our development.

We complete our qualifications with CEMAST college and currently are doing all our lessons through online means. Even though we only attend college once a week the teachers are available via email, message or call most of the week as long as they are not in lessons. We also get as much support as possible from our workplace. In the past I was given help by my placement manager with my college work as he understood the topic and could explain it to me. We are also allowed to take a few hours every week to support our learning.

Both qualifications provided to us through the training providers are showing up useful in my day to day work life. Completing the level 2 PEO in engineering gave me basic knowledge of simple engineering tasks that are completed and have a deeper understanding of tasks that may be ongoing even if they are not directly related to my job but may indirectly impact it or my work be an impact on somebody's work. I have had to use some of the theory learned at college in my work life, especially electrical principles.

Whenever we have spare time we are encouraged to find something to fill it to keep up our development and learning. I have signed up as a STEM ambassador for the business which includes doing extra activities such as completing outreach events to schools to help boost interest in STEM subjects to encourage kids to pursue a career within science and technology. Whenever possible extra events are organised for apprentices to attend for both social reasons and extra development.

Yes

The company allows for a great career, future working within the engineering sector and supporting the capabilities of the Royal Navy. With its current and future projects the business shows real opportunity for a long career within engineering and the businesses experience with apprentices and a large intake every year the programme is being run professionally and competently. The business reward people willing to go and put the effort in and recognises it allowing individuals to progress within their careers.

BAE systems take pride in the work they complete and would like all its current and future employees to be self motivated and take interest in their work. Knowing some basic public knowledge about the business and the work they do is very welcome. People who have a passion for engineering and a drive to expand their knowledge of engineering tend to do the best in the interviews. Having a great attitude towards learning new skills and showing it is a great contributor towards the success of your application.