Level 4 Electrical Engineering Technician Review

Within this apprenticeship, we get to chose to undertake a wide variety of placements (4-5 of 2 years) within the company to get a range of experience and to find what suits us for when we want to join the company at the end of the 3 years. I currently go on ship and conduct investigations to help aid in repair plans and feasibility studies but also d other stuff.

In the first 6 months of the placement we all learnt a wide range of hand skills from cabling lights, fabricating items, and taking apart and putting back together marine engines. You can also learn wide range of skills in your placements from both hands experience and learning technical knowledge about the ships.

I am thoroughly enjoying my time apprenticeship at BAE Systems. Although you may feel out of your depth at the beginning, all of the staff supported me well and I am growing more confident within the business. I would definitely recommend this to anyone who wants to go into engineering and it is a great option to consider.

The programme is fairly organised where you will work 4 days a week and go to college on another day. When getting to chose my first placement, it felt a bit chaotic and out of my hands but after the first placement it is up to you to contact managers to get into your next placement. Each placement will usually last 4 months with an exception for the first one which lasts 6.

I get a fair amount of support from my employer. They mainly ensure that our training provider is teaching us well and that we are coping well with our college studies whilst having to work to. They will also ensure that you are satisfied with the placement you are in.

The college gives okay support towards our qualifications. The teachers there are very attentive and give well informed lessons. They also try their best to support us with assignments when necessary.

The stuff we learn at college does provide knowledge on the why and how electrical components work and also the the maths behind designing circuits. However, due to the wide range of placements available, the electrical knowledge I learn at college may not be relevant such as if I went into product safety

There are sports social clubs created by apprentices and graduates for apprentices and graduates such as rock climbing, badminton, kayaking and more. There are also other events that go on throughout the year such as charity dinners.

Yes

I feel as if I am being taken care of by the company and that us apprentices are being supported well. Moreover, as well as you pass college and pass the final test for your apprenticeship you are guaranteed a job with the company. They will also pay for a university degree if you final placement there will prefer/required people with degrees.

Make sure you have a good knowledge about the company prior to your interview and practise the aptitude tests prior to doing them.