Apprentice Designer Review

My role as a mechanical designer involves working on the pneumatic and hydraulic systems. I use CAD systems to help produce 2D drawings and 3D designs. I also use a variety of toolsets to complete other important processes required in the design stages of manufacturing the submarines. I collaborate and communicate effectively with other employees to ensure work is done correctly and to a high standard.

Throughout my apprenticeship I have developed my knowledge and learnt new skills that are useful to have when working in the business as well as outside of work e.g. communicational, teamwork, organisational and financial skills. The company offered many opportunities for these skills to be developed as well e.g. Outward bound and STEM activities.

I have thoroughly enjoyed my apprenticeship with BAE and had been a great place to work. During the apprenticeship I have met many new people and made friends. The teams I have worked on have all been great and have been kept busy with many jobs. These jobs have been a variety which has helped me gain a wide knowledge of the business.

I think the structure of the apprenticeship is ran really well as I get to go on different placements which allows me to move round the business onto different teams to see where we would like to potentially work on and time complete my apprenticeship on. Mentors are always there to help you if I have any queries about my placement.

There is a lot of support within the business as there are many people I can speak to if I need support. I have monthly catch-ups with mentors to ensure I'm happy and have the opportunity to ask any questions. I also have 12-week reviews with a skills and development coach to ensure my health/wellbeing is great and am enjoying work.

During lessons we get the opportunity to ask for help and if we don't have questions to ask in college time we can email them instead outside of college. Due to Covid-19 its been slightly harder to get support as its easier to help in person but the supports mostly been good throughout the year.

The modules that I undertake and learn about at college help me expand my knowledge in specific areas which are relevant to my role. These modules help give me a good base of knowledge in engineering. This means that from college I can gain the learn and understand how and why things are done before putting it into practise at work.

There are various opportunities to get myself involved in extra-curricular activities such as Outward Bound, STEM activities, and other networking events. I get sent many emails where I can choose to help out in these type of activities if I wish, so there is always chance to get involved with these type of things as well if you aren't already.

Yes

I would recommend this apprenticeship to anyone who has an interest in being involved with engineering and the design aspect of it as it is a great place to expand on that interest and pursue a career in it. The company gives all ages from 17 years onwards an ideal working environment with great security. It also gives people the opportunity to earn while you learn hands on and gain relevant qualifications.

I would advise people to look into the type of job roles they would be interested in and try to contact someone within the role to find out more about the type of work the do etc. Also, there's many careers fairs where BAE take part in and this could be a good opportunity for them to go to one of these events and speak to someone to gain a better insight to the role they're wanting to do.