Techincal Apprentice Review

Technical apprentice role, this role involves a vast range of engineering activities, the first year involves full time education at a local training provider, including practical and written tasks throughout. The second year is on site at BAE, going through and experiencing different areas of the site/business and the third year being full time in one placement of the business.

Throughout the apprenticeship I have learnt many new skills and developed on my existing skills. Throughout the first year of the apprenticeship I both developed my existing skills, such as English and maths, and learnt new skills such as the understanding of electronics, fault finding systems and techniques and computer aided drawing. My second year has improved my personal skills as well as the skills learnt/developed in my first year.

Throughout my time in this apprenticeship I have thoroughly enjoyed it. I have learnt many new things that have helped me improve my knowledge on engineering and improved my personal skills. I have also met new people throughout the apprenticeship, making friends along the way, helping me further my knowledge and skills.

The structure of the apprentice programme at BAE Systems is well organised. it is structured into three years, with clear intentions for each year from the start. The first year being full time education at a local training provider, the second year being on site placements throughout the business and the third year being full time in one placement in the business.

Throughout the apprenticeship I have had all the support I have required from BAE Systems, if there has been any issues, whether it was personal or work related, there has been the suitable support in place. If there are any issues, it is very easy to contact the employer and raise said issues, with suitable measures put in place.

When working towards my qualifications I have had all the support I have needed. If I had any issues with any of my work, my training provider would give me the support I needed, whether it was help answering a question or showing me a technique to overcome a problem. All tutors are willing to help with any issues.

My qualification gained through the training provider has helped me a lot to perform better in my role. it has given me a much better understanding/overview of the different engineering tasks I am getting involved with. Also, any engineering tasks that I do get involved with, I feel confident in understanding and helping out.

Unfortunately due to the current situation of COVID-19, there have been restrictions and cancellations on many of the extra-curricular activities. However, where possible there have been opportunities for extra-curricular activities. At the start of the apprenticeship we had a week of "activities" which included team building activities on and off site.

Yes

This apprenticeship offers a very good opportunity into getting a career in the engineering world. BAE Systems has many different areas of possibilities and development so there will always be something new to achieve. The apprenticeship itself is very good and interesting, being able to get involved with the many different projects on site.

I encourage anyone who might have even the slightest of interest in engineering to apply for a BAE Systems apprenticeship. The opportunities given from this apprenticeship are like no other and the way you are treated is very good, everyone is looking to support you in any way they can, whether that is older apprentices, the apprentice team or people on site.