Nuclear Higher Apprentice Review

My day to day tasks vary depending on my placement. I could be reviewing reactor documents for the Procedure Authorisation Group, overseeing module delivery for Operations or the Nuclear Build Facility or taking radiation reading around the site and analysing the data for Health Physics. I'll complete ten placements across several functions before picking my favorite to exit in to.

My organisational skills have benefitted a lot as a result of my apprenticeship; balancing work, university and a social life allows it to become second. I've also grown more confident during my time with the company. Each time I change placement, I'm introduced to a lot of new people and often have to approach different teams with emergent issues.

I've always been interested in the nuclear industry since it was covered in GCSE physics. At A-Level, I explored the subject further and found BAE's Nuclear Higher Apprenticeships. For me, it was the perfect hybrid for studying and working simultaneously. I've really enjoyed the opportunity to see lots of areas of BAE, giving me a holistic view of the submarine business.

The nuclear scheme is one of the best organised at the Barrow site. Our placements are already planned out in line with the other members of the scheme to avoid clashes. Our placements remain flexible though as we can rearrange the planed placements to suit everyone's desires and possible exit roles. However this is only because of the great work the Function does to support the scheme, the Early Career department often show disinterested in the day to day running of the scheme and making it more difficult with overly intensive admin that is required duty to their own lack of organization. It often feels like they recruit far too many people and then struggle to manage them, and repeat tis mistake annually.

Within Early Careers, there is lots of work undertaken by the AllRight project to maintain and improve the wellbeing (mental, physical, etc.) of the Apprentices, Higher Apprentices and Graduates at the barrow site. Having the support readily available for work related and personal issues (no questions asked) makes me feel valued. Unlike in the scheme organization, Early Careers are really supportive of mental health.

Our college are really supportive as they listen to all of our issues and often take actions to address them quickly. They are helping us to establish a One File profile to help support the completion of our Trailblazer competencies. We also have an elected class representative to raise issues on our behalf if required.

The knowledge I develop at college often helps me in my day to day role. Some modules are more relevant than others and any gaps in my knowledge tend to be bespoke to my workplace can be managed and developed through the business. The generic engineering modules give me a solid foundation that business relevant information can be built on.

BAE occasionally organise engagements events to try and get the early careers population involved in a new hobby, club or volunteering. As a scout leader, I don't struggle to find opportunities outside of work but people new to the area may find it difficult. There are pages on the intranet to help though. This has been significantly impacted by the Pandemic however.

Yes

I'd recommend BAE to a friend as it offers a wealth of experience, development and the opportunity to earn while you learn. Despite Early Careers lack of organization, they are dedicated to your personal and professional develop as well as maintaining and your wellbeing. You'll still have the same degree as other graduate in your filed but have more experience than them.

Take the recruitment process seriously. Plan out your answers to the initial application, before submitting them. Dedicate a significant amount of time in preparing for the assessment centre. You will have control over your presentation so make sure you've practiced it and try to do some mock interviews to prepare yourself.