Design Apprentice Review

In my day-to-day role as a design apprentice I use CAD software to edit drawings and designs. Furthermore I also work with other designers to solve design/engineering issues that may arise in my specific area as well as find the right people to help with the issue and chase down any questions my team may have. As well as this, during my time in college I complete a HNC course which consists of three different classes a day as well as a tutorial/revision period at the end of the day.

During my time in the apprenticeship programme with BAE systems I have definitely learned some new skills in design as well as gained an overall knowledge of engineering in general. Some of these skills include using specific software such as CAD software and learning about how different work is processed within the company.

I would say that I enjoy my programme to a high extent and I find it very interesting to learn new skills and knowledge about a subject in which i have a large interest in (Engineering Design). I think that my college studies could have been set up better as at times it has been rather confusing to keep up with the college, however that may be through the education providers fault/due to unforeseen circumstances. In addition to this the college course that I am doing I do find rather interesting and I feel I have definitely learned a lot on during my higher education so far through the company.

I think my programme is structured rather well, we have been told the layout of when we will be in college, how long we will be in the apprenticeship programme for, as well as the layout of the programme. Furthermore, we are always told if there are going to be any changes to the programme/our placements during the programme. My one fault with the structure of the programme would be the college however this is likely out of the company's hands and work are aware of the issues and have actively tried to sort them out.

I receive a lot of support from my employer in many different ways. For example, if I have an issue with my job role or every day work, there will be someone on my team who will be happy to help me. In addition to this if I ever have any personal issues, we are assured that work will also help with that.

As of recently we have started to be given more support by our training provider, however, I do feel that there has been a lack of support in the past, more so within the lesson than just in general. There are resources that are available for us to use however due to there being a smaller amount of staff as well as the changes in staff at the college, there is a lack of overall support that can be given to each student.

I think that the qualifications I am getting through my training provider will greatly help with performing better in my role. I feel this is because the topics i am learning about are very relevant to my role and will help me to become more clued up on engineering in general, therefore I have the knowledge I need to complete my tasks and progress in my workplace.

There are many extra-curricular activities to take part in thought work. An example of this would be to do the Coniston to barrow walk through BAE Systems. In addition to this, another example of extra-curricular activities that can be done through work would be to become a Stem Ambassador; this is where you go off to different STEM events to work with others and inspire younger students to consider a career in STEM

Yes

I would recommend BAE Systems to a friend as i think they are a very good company to be an apprentice with, the level of education/qualifications you get through the company is of a very high standard as well as this you gain a good experience in the workplace and learn about how work is done on a day to day basis.

I would advise others applying to BAE Systems to apply to a role in which they already have an interest in as then they would be able to make the most out of their job role. Furthermore i'd tell them to show interest in engineering and try to learn as much as they can during their education throughout their time at the company as it will help them greatly later down the line.