Apprentice Engineering Technician Review

Currently doing full time training with the other apprentices and working towards a BTEC and NVQ qualification. However I will be moving onto working in the various different departments and working with different people of varying experience levels to gain new knowledge and skills to work on the products in the electrical systems and take part in new projects on completion of the 1st year of the apprenticeship.

I have gained different skills and knowledge when working towards the BTEC and NVQ qualifications in the subjects taught. I have developed skills in maths and knowledge of how to carry out health and safety procedures such as risk assessments. I have also learnt more hands on skills such as soldering electrical components as well as learning to use different work shops machines and tools such as pillar and radial arm drills. On top of this I have developed personal skills that are essential in the workplace such as teamwork, communication, planning and organisation through working with different apprentices and tutors.

I enjoy my involvement in the programme a lot as I enjoy learning different subjects and developing my skills and knowledge as well as getting the opportunity to work with different apprentices and tutors as well as the various staff on site from varying backgrounds and beliefs. Due to the company being a large company I get the chance to meet with different people and get the chance to get to know them both professionally and socially. Working for the company has met all my expectations as everyone is supported and looked after which helps to enjoy the programme even more.

The program is very well structured and organised as we given knowledge and documents of how the apprenticeship will work and the different time frames that things will happen so we know what to expect and when from day one (Induction). The training and qualifications are set out really well and all subjects work hand in hand with each other and knowledge is transferable within different areas making it easier for everyone as no further training is required and meaning you are always building on your progress. We are given regular contact with our superiors/ supervisors and they are also in contact with the training provider so they are constantly up to date with our progress and are always willing to help when they can.

We are given a large amount of support from our superiors/supervisors through regular catch up calls to keep track of progress as well as chance to ask for support if required. My employer is always open to support and make it known to everyone that support is available for both professional and personal problems and those who can give the help are really friendly and easily approachable and the support is easy to come by if it is needed.

We get a lot of support from the training provider as the first year is full time at the training provider so you are in constant contact with them and support is easy to get when there and the tutors are more than happy to help while you are there. They are open to providing help through emails if you are unsure of something when doing an assignment at home. The support makes the qualification feel easier to get as you don't have to struggle if you are unsure about something as you can easily get help and this helps to enjoy it more and it overall has a different and better feel to it from being at college or school.

I feel that it helps a great deal as it is all relevant to the work that I do and it gives you a lot more confidence to carry out the task. You are first taught the theory to gain an overall understanding and then you will carry out a practical task to help cement the knowledge and I find that this helps to ensure that you don't forget as you have something to refer to that you have done yourself with the theory. I'm yet to complete the qualification however, through what I have already learnt I feel that by the time I do finish I will know a lot more about my role/ industry.

BAE systems are always looking to organise different events for the company to help bring everyone together and to get everyone involved as much as possible and to give everyone the chance to get to know each other. They also like to work with charities and provide people the chance to raise money for the charity to help a good cause and to bring people together. During the induction week of the apprenticeship they organised a team building day for apprentices so they can have a chance to develop skills and get a chance to bond ahead of entering the first week of training.

Yes

I would recommend them as they are always willing to help and support you to get you where you want to be and to get the best out of you and to give you the chance to take part in something you otherwise wouldn't have the opportunity to do. No matter who you are or where you came from they always make you feel welcome and wanted and inspire you to be the best that you can be and be involved in things that you could only dream of before.

I would reassure them that applying for a big major company isn't as intimidating as it seems through first hand experience. The interviews aren't at all stressful and feel more relaxed and casual whilst still giving the chance to really show what makes you special and what makes you stand out among the rest and they will definitely notice even if you don't think they did. They will give you the chance to meet new people and develop new skills. If you are unsure about what makes you special or what you're good at you will definitely found it out at BAE Systems. You are presented the chance to take part in different experiences and activities with your fellow apprentices and colleagues and you will be valued amongst your team.