IM&T Degree Apprentice Review

Working in different placements I collaborate with various teams to complete objectives set at the beginning of placement. Usually my role involves contacting customers, data analysis, developing architectural diagrams and working with developing different IT solutions. I also have to complete work in regards to different IT projects that are currently running.

Through attending university to study my degree I have developed my skills in regards to cyber security and digital solutions. I have also developed my professional skills over the course of this apprenticeship by working with different teams, completing extra activities within the HA community and completing various training courses that look at core behaviours.

Working on a placement scheme is a great way to learn more about the business as you have the opportunity to work with teams that focus on delivering different products which all pull together to deliver one overall product. Also, by completing different placements you learn more about the business itself whilst developing skills in several areas.

My programme is very well structured as with each commencing educational year, a list of placements are released which are assigned to develop different skills relating to IT. During my programme I have regular check in sessions with the Early Careers group to ensure that I am on track with my apprenticeship.

I constantly feel supported by my employer. This is through communications providing details of assistance programmes which can be reached out to for support. During reviews with Early Careers safety, wellbeing and safeguarding are a common theme for discussion including information on how to reach out for support. I am made aware of different branches of support through training modules.

I have an Employee Liaison Tutor (ELT) who sets in progress review meetings approximately every 3-4 months. During these sessions we go over different aspects of the degree such as specific units, future units, skills & behaviours and off the job. I feel supported by my lecturers as they usually respond to any questions I have within 24 hours.

At the beginning of the qualification, the units were more based around understanding how an organisation runs IT projects, developing basic programming skills and learning web-based design. I am currently working on a unit that revolves around work-based projects meaning the content I am interacting with is directly work related. I feel after attaining the a foundation of knowledge from taking part in core units, the knowledge I take away from units now can be directly related back to work.

As an extra-curricular activity, I am involved with the Local Higher Apprentice Council (LHAC). This council covers different topics that directly affect the higher apprentice community. The council is made up of Higher Apprentices from all different functions. Also, every month the LHAC sends out a newsletter to higher apprentices as a group deliverable into the business.

Yes

Working for BAE Systems provides the opportunity to complete work and collaborate with people in order to create an impressive product. I am trusted to complete my own work, the benefits I receive working for the company are second to none. Also, as a higher apprentice I am able to gain valuable work experience whilst studying for a degree that I do not have to pay back.

Once you are through the initial application process and you have provided that your grades are sufficient enough to qualify for the role, do not get hung up on the qualifications you have achieved. Instead it is worthwhile to recall past experiences that align to key behaviours such as collaboration, leadership, problem solving, etc. Once you reach the Assessment Centres it is proving that you are able to work in a professional environment, you are able to contribute within a team and you have the capability to improve your skills even further.