Engineering Degree Apprentice Review

The engineering degree apprenticeship involves working in numerous different placements across the engineering function, with each individual placement providing a unique insight into the engineering discipline. This variety gives you the opportunity to engage in a range of different activities. For example, you may be involved in the modelling of submarine systems on CAD in one placement and doing detailed material analysis in the next. This variation is what makes the apprenticeship great. My only criticism with this, is that the quality of work you are given is dependent on how much the team trust you.

Definitely, you are thrust into a work environment straight away, so you immediately begin to develop the skills required to succeed. Your communication skills improve dramatically, as you will often be expected to present ideas in front of groups. This may seem daunting at first, but presenting ideas clearly is an extremely valuable skill in the engineering field, so it pays to develop easily. Your engineering knowledge will also increase; with on the job learning supplementing what has been taught in the classroom.

I have thoroughly enjoyed the apprenticeship so far. I've enjoyed the vast majority of the work I have undertaken, and you are often recognised for good work which is a great motivator. My only concern prior to joining was how the social side of things may differ from university. However, I've found this not to be the case, and have managed to even pick up a few new hobbies since moving up here.

The programme could arguably be structured better. There seems to be some confusion about possible exit roles. For example, you may complete a six month placement in a team where you really enjoy the work, but then be informed that this is not a viable exit role because said team were not in the original business case for your year's intake. My constructive criticism would be to inform the apprentices of the possible exit roles at the beginning of the apprenticeship to remove this confusion.

Support is always on offer. If you're struggling with anything inside or outside of work they are happy to help and listen. They also offer educational support to those who may be struggling with the degree. There is a large focus on mental health and wellbeing so I would say that overall they are a very supportive employer.

Tutors are supportive. They allow phone calls, and often reply to emails within a couple of days. The resources online are sufficient and well structured. However, we are not given online access to the Lancaster University library. I've asked about resolving this, and there's something in the works, but sourcing papers for a research assignment can be slightly difficult.

The overlap is dependent on what work you're doing. For some roles, the subjects taught in the classroom may directly correspond with the work you're doing and for others not at all. However, I would argue that the qualification provides the fundamental background knowledge required for a career in engineering. You must then build upon this knowledge yourself to be successful.

The only extra-curricular activity I get involved in through work is football. This is organised by the apprentices. However, I've managed to get involved in a lot of activities outside of work with friends I've made during the apprenticeship such as tennis and climbing. Barrow is also pretty close to the lakes so there are loads of walks to try.

Yes

BAE are a great employer. The products they build are engineering marvels and it's a great opportunity to get to work on them. The company actively encourage your own personal development whether that is through charter ship or additional training. There are also opportunities for progression and the possibility to travel and work abroad.

First of all study hard. You will need a certain amount of UCAS points to be considered if applying for a role as soon as you exit sixth form. Following on from that figure out exactly what it is about engineering that interests you, and link that back to BAE. Prepare well for aptitude tests and presentations and you can't go wrong.