Apprentice Engineering Technician Review

Starting my apprenticeship in January 2021. My shift pattern is split between home working and working on-site. Working on-site I have begun practical work on designing and assembling electronic circuits. When working from home I have been answering knowledge questions based on the practical work on-site. Also from home I have begun two further education courses. One being a B-TEC Maths course and the other a Health and Safety course. On a day to day basis I am interacting with my coach assessors, line managers and fellow apprentices. My responsibilities include adhering to legislations, regulations and safe working practices. I am also responsible for managing my own workload and completing any work set by my coach assessors in a timely manner.

Yes I would say that I have certainly developed new computer skills in a professional environment. When working from home getting used to communicating on different applications. I would say I have learnt new skills when designing and building electronic circuits, soldering techniques, how to pre-form and handle electronic components. I would also say since starting my apprenticeship, I have been happy that I feel as though I have slowly built up confidence in public speaking. An example of this is when I delivered an online presentation to my fellow apprentices, on my further education health and safety course.

I have thoroughly enjoyed my time designing and building electronic circuits on my first section I have found the work extremely interesting. I have thoroughly enjoyed working with my coach assessor, the way he delivers his lessons/information has really helped me learn. I have enjoyed working with my fellow apprentices within my group also, being around people everyday has helped me to gain confidence and I enjoy the team working aspect.

I would say that my programme within electronics has been organised and structured very well. I have been given enough time to learn, practice and complete assessment work, and I feel have managed my workload well. I have struggled however with my further education maths course. I have not studied to an A-Level standard before so I feel as though I need more time to digest what we are learning, and practice it to fully understand. I have let my tutors know this and they have supported me in terms of guiding me towards resources.

I feel as though I am supported well by my coach assessors and line managers everyone is very approachable if I have any issues. Any issues with IT equipment I can call or email the IT department and they try to resolve issues quickly. The same applies to the HR team, everyone has been very helpful.

I would say I do feel like I could use some more time and support to learn the topics associated with my maths course. I don't fully understand some of the things we are trying to learn, this has been taught remotely so at the same time I do understand it will be harder to learn with the Covid 19 pandemic on-going.

My on-site learning has definitely helped me a lot with my day-to-day role. I feel as though I have learnt a lot of new skills and accumulated very important knowledge. The health and safety side of my further education has also helped me with my day-to-day role in how I work, but again I don't feel I am seeing personal progression so far with the maths.

At BAE Systems there are lots of extra-curricular activities to get involved with such as STEM, out of bounds week, getting involved with open evenings. I think that happens mostly within the second year of my apprenticeship. Although I have tried to put myself forward for a group representative position since starting.

Yes

At BAE Systems you have an opportunity to learn lots of new skills and learn from industry leading experts in world class facilities. I am passionate about engineering, aviation and technology, and love to know how things are built and what makes them work. At BAE Systems there are many exciting career opportunities that relate to my passions and the company is very supportive of its employees.

Put as much information as you can into your application. Talk about your past experiences such as team work, about any projects you have designed or built and any problems you encountered/how you came up with a solution. Write down any potential interview questions you think that might come up and practice your answers. Dress smart and arrive well in good time for any assessment days or interviews. If you offered a position, really apply yourself to the work everyday.