Hull Design Apprentice Review

As a design apprentice I use computer aided design to model 3 dimensional seats and equipment for submarines, I can then take this models and produce 2D drawings / outputs, which are then taking through the quality control process and checked before being physically manufactured and installed on the submarine itself. I have to liaise with several different functions such as engineering, quality control, business admin and the shop floor.

Throughout my apprenticeship i have gained an NVQ level 3 diploma in manufacturing engineering and also a HNC in mechanical engineering and i have the opportunity to continue on and complete a degree in the engineering field of my choice. My confidence and ability to convey information has improved greatly and my technical knowledge of engineering has improved massively, i have learnt how important quality is and doing things right first time.

I enjoy my programme and think it is really well tailored to apprentices, there is lots of support and i felt welcomed into my team immediately, the company promotes safety and quality above all and offers lots of opportunities to see how the business really works such as the apprentice council and business placements giving you lots of exposure to the different elements of the company

The first year at college is really well structured and you have lots of opportunities to speak to your employers and you undertake a huge amount of training and studying to prepare you for work, however you are kind of thrown into the deep end when you arrive in the business for your second year, however fortnightly catch ups and one to one sessions are available. My only complaint would be task delegation as in your first few months you can be left without a job or anything to do.

I receive lots of support from early careers and also have a skills coach and placement team who i can contact whenever i need to, on the placement i have a designated mentor and can approach anyone on the team for support and guidance when problems occur. The general attitude is that being a BAE apprentice is a privilege and people really want to help you succeed and come out of your time.

Whilst working through COVID the support has been below average, i receive my training through Furness College and have found that the general attitude is that we are at an advantage by learning remotely when the fact is, its a huge struggle to learn the curriculum we do via a laptop. However BAE are really supportive.

I think my qualification gives me a much better understanding of the work i undertake however some of it is irrelevant, as the job role is so unique that a lot of the things taught in the qualification aren't used in the industry. However it is good for a basic understating of mechanical engineering and useful if you wanted to be an engineer rather than a designer.

Yes, there are social charity fundraisers such as football matches and band nights, there is also lots of opportunities to network within the business such as committees, councils and meetings with higher level employees, you have the chance to mingle and share your views with people from different sectors and functions. There is also STEM events which allow you to speak to younger people and inspire them offer them an insight into a career in engineering.

Yes

I think its a really good career and sets you up for life, being in the business means you have access to some once in a life time opportunities also the early careers team go above and beyond to support you and listen to your concerns. As far as apprenticeships go around my area it is by far the best one.

Don't give up hope if you don't get in the first time applying, make sure to be positive and do your research on the company and its values and try and embody them in your application, explain what you personally can bring to the company and why its important to you.