Engineering Technician Review

My role is an engineering technician apprentice. I am currently being trained in different units during my first year which I will need throughout my time at BAE Systems. Right now, I am being taught the basics of electronics, such as the soldering of components in a circuit. I have also been taught during this unit on how to operate certain equipment I may use at BAE Systems such as an oscilloscope.

Going into this apprenticeship, whilst I was interested in engineering, I had no prior experience, so I am learning a whole host of new skills such as how to read engineering drawings for example, and the importance of adhering to tolerances within these drawings. I am also in the early stages of improving my practical work skills.

Whilst I have not been doing the programme long. I have enjoyed the little bit of it I have had the experience of. I have enjoyed certain units more than others however. But the team I get to work with are a very pleasant group who I get on with.

The programme is very well structured, with off-site and on-site training provided for the first two years, and a third year spent on site in a department we wish to work in. An induction week was also supplied which laid everything out and made clear the structure of the programme.

There is a great support system in place from my employer, with them constantly checking in on my fellow apprentices and I. They are easily accessible for us apprentices also and provide us with all the proper channels for any specific issue we have and who can deal with it for us.

Instructors help with issues I have, although this support can vary as some instructors are definitely more helpful and enthusiastic than others. From the instructors who are more enthusiastic however, the support is brilliant, and they help until they are 100 per cent sure I understand the task completely. They always welcome questions if I am unsure and utilise their knowledge and experience to help as best they can.

Whilst I feel some units of training are a lot more relevant than others with respect to my performance in my job role, I overall feel that all aspects of the training programme do come together to help my performance, and give me a good overview of the vast array of skills I may need for my role.

Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, I am unsure of what types of these activities are available.

Yes

I believe BAE Systems is a great company to work for that takes care of their employees, and gives them the chance to do important work on some of the most bold and innovative products in the defence industry. It's also a well organised global business which is recognised worldwide for their great contributions to the industry, and I feel proud to work for them.

I would say to research the company as much as you can and familiarise yourself with the work that you could be doing. I would also assure anyone unsure that BAE Systems is indeed a great company to work for that has its employees' interests in mind at all times.