Higher Apprentice Nuclear Engineer Review

The role is part time study alongside work placements. The college day is on Monday and I have two module seminars with all of the work outside of lesson being self study. My part time role focusses on nuclear engineering problems in BAE Systems and working with others on vital projects.

The foundation knowledge from GCSE and A level make sense now that I am working on nuclear engineering tasks at the site that manufactures the nuclear submarines. I learn specifically about the reactor and the complicated systems involved and relevant procedures and documents. At the end of the 5 years of study, I will gain a bachelors degree (it is like a stretched out university to allow for better work experience).

Very much. The work is relative to my level of understanding and complex enough that I can learn it. The team I work with in work has a structure to provide me with training and work alongside the manufacture of a submarine. The college tutors know what they are talking about and will ease you into learning. Its not what I expected because you don't exactly know what a nuclear engineer does because it is highly secret.

Very. I had a 6 week induction to the company to introduce me to the expectations of work and collaboration with others e.g. working of team tasks. The part time study is structured so I have two lessons on Monday and is understandable and material is provided before the lessons, and the teachers are great. My work has designated me a buddy to test my knowledge of training material and ask questions to, and my manager is available to answer more complex questions.

I have been allocated a buddy while working in placements as an apprentice at a higher level that will be able to explain things to me and ask questions to. The employees will help you and managers are good. I do not receive much because I do not need it, but services that help with mental health or drugs and the like are available if you do.

It is self study for all of the part time university work that needs to be done for the qualification therefore you are encouraged to work things out yourself which help you develop better. Tutors are available to contact about the work and will say so in lesson. Other support can be found on the college website.

The progression through degree work is at a slower pace than university so you can understand and take part in the proper work supplied by BAE Systems. So far the work I have been doing is not relevant to my work because of the specific role I am in at the moment, but more relevant topics are covered deeper into the apprenticeship e.g. nuclear disasters and how to mitigate them.

BAE Systems encourages all apprentices to participate in 'stretch' activities which are extra volunteer roles that are not work related but can be done in work time. Examples are providing a week's work experience to year 10/11 high school students or joining the apprentice council. All aim to positively impact the community. There are work funded events like networking events etc. Otherwise, people at BAE Systems often organise their own activities and invite their friends who they know from their induction or their place of work.

Yes

Securing government contracts for top secret and highly advanced technologies, BAE Systems wants to make sure that the people making those highly advanced technologies are trained to the best standard. They also offer opportunities for progression in the business, to higher responsibilities or into others roles, they pay very well and the workload is manageable and relevant. Understanding this themselves, two of my friends are now working for BAE Systems, and another one has taken an apprenticeship with another nuclear company instead of going to university.

Learn about what BAE Systems does especially about the role you want. Get books and learn relevant things beforehand e.g. engineering maths, an introduction to nuclear engineering. Ask questions. Write things down so you remember them. Take opportunities (there are lots to choose from so choose the good ones). Have an interesting hobby that you can talk about at interview (people will remember someone who rings church bells on weekends in comparison to someone of the same education who watches TV for a hobby)