Designer Review

I am part of a small design team within the wider drawing office, making use of computer aided design packages to check that proposed designs match the intention of the engineer. I also make use of databases of drawings and calculations when completing these checks, and often have to work with other designers from across all design disciplines to reach a final design.

I have been able to apply my previous experiences in teamworking and communication as this role requires sharing information with other designers and collaborating on final ideas. I have also developed a new skill in using computer aided engineering programmes, as well as experience in the engineering sector having previously pursued an arts based career.

The programme was interesting in terms of learning new things and being able to further my studies in science and engineering, and I have been able to experience different areas of design through my work based placements. The only negative is that the national standard for this apprenticeship changed during our final year which meant that we had to complete the NVQ as usual, but were also then subject to an End Point Assessment in line with the new standard, essentially changing the goal posts when we were nine months from completion.

Up until the addition of the End Point Assessment, the programme was very well organised ensuring that we were able to study to academic subjects which would most benefit us in our job role. We also had good opportunities to try different teams within the business and find which area of design suited us best. The End Point Assessment was a fairly last minute addition and has not been properly organised by EAL, they weren't ready as an examining body.

We have access to skills coaches who will carry out 12 weekly reviews throughout the apprenticeship to monitor our progress, as well as discuss prevalent topics such as equality and diversity. I tended to use my skills coach as my main point of contact if I had an issue and they would give advice, or would be able to signpost or escalate the issue if needed. There is also a good emphasis on safeguarding for the apprentices with many of the skills coaches being given additional training to deal with other problems. Our team leader would change every time we moved placement and so that level of support would vary, though on the whole was good.

When working towards the NVQ we had good support from our teams to ensure we had appropriate projects to meet requirements, and good support from the skills coaches in managing our time to meet deadlines. We have had good support from the business when it comes to the End Point Assessment, however not very much from the examining body, EAL, as previously mentioned. We were very well supported by tutors and lecturers when completing the related academic qualifications taken at Furness College.

Being able to experience different design roles has given me a good overview of draught and design. As everyone time completes on a different team, the apprenticeship itself needs to cover a broad range of teams which can then be built upon when in your final placement. Working in different teams also ensures that you have some understanding of the roles of other teams, which makes it easier to collaborate and understand which teams you can direct queries to or ask for help from.

There are several networking groups to get involved in, for example the LGBTQ+ network, the environmental network, and the mental wellbeing network being three examples. Apprentices are often encouraged to take part in STEM activities with local schools, and there are also opportunities to socialise with the local apprentice council sometimes organising events.

Yes

There are many apprenticeships and job roles at BAE which all have different entry requirements, which makes the business quite accessible regardless of previous experience and qualifications, giving everyone the opportunity to be employed by a respected business. There is also a very strong sense of community within the business, and the local community are very proud of it.

Read through the descriptions of the different apprenticeships which are on offer and consider the different options available to you. Consider Higher Apprenticeships or Graduate schemes if you have the necessary qualifications, but also don't be put off looking at the standard Apprenticeships if you do have a higher qualification than you need as you might enjoy that role more. The application process involves a written application, followed by online aptitude tests in the next round, leading to the actual interview which also included a group challenge and talking about a pre-existing project you have completed.