Apprentice Designer Review

My day to day roll is being assigned projects to design or integrate assets within a BAE systems project, given to me by an immediate superior, to complete and log when done.

I have learned skills on new software, academic capability from college, and developed personal skills to work effectively in a team.

The job is excellent, with great people and cutting edge software.

The apprenticeship programme could use development with regards to concrete timings and more regular/timetabled learning coach interaction. I understand that the programme is in flux however with regards to requirements for time completing, but apprentices crave order and structure for reassurance.

I receive responses from my employer in good time, with queries promptly responded to. Sometimes definite answers can be hard to come by, but I realise that this not from neglect or incompetence, but from my higher-ups dealing with the issue up the chain.

I received all the support i required academically and it was a positive experience overall. Any queries I have can be forwarded to a large pool of specialists within the workplace.

Although I am very glad to have been given the opportunity to earn qualifications and complete courses to develop my personal future capability, I think that the majority of work can be learned on the job without mandatory exam testing in the classical sense.

The position of STEM ambassador was a something I signed up for pre-Covid, and I am aware that the company offers experiences and interactions with local schools and charities. There is also work events hosted between other branches of the company which I have attended.

Yes

The company is a state of the art defence manufacturer that pays well, is supportive of its staff, and plays a critical roll in defending the assets and territorial integrity of the free world. Working on its products provides a sense of satisfaction.

Stay up to date on GCSE level maths and science, or be prepared to hire a tutor if proficiency of these subjects are not within recent memory. Make peace with the gravity of the products that this company creates, and its unenviable roll in keeping the West armed and defended.