Engineering Degree apprentice Review

I am an engineering apprentice, so I change placements every 6 months but at the moment I help with issues on the project, correspond with suppliers and the customer to fix issues on the boat and changes, and create designs for smaller projects and present them to a group of people on the team

I have learnt so many new electrical skills, I knew nothing at A level, all about Op Amps and DIN rails and different processes and legislation, I have learnt how to write emails properly and present and write up reports. I am so much more confident and mature since beginning the apprenticship

It is challenging, I am constantly pushed out of my comfort zone and thrown into challenges, but with the job and location it is an amazing place to work and I feel pride in producing such an important product to the customer. The college work is very easy so that is good

Very, placements can be a bit iffy if you don’t have much to do, or are working from home a lot but there are designated placement managers and skills coaches for your specific apprenticeship. Placements are organised in advance, and you choose your home department(e.g electrical, mechanical, systems, Weights)

Lots, there are designated people to help you and schemes to help you find a house and live out set up by other apprentices. There are regular apprentice forums and if you are struggling with college, the employer can help. The teams you are in for placement are incredibly supportive and lovely

Lots, they let you pre submit work so they check it for errors, give you weeks In class so you don’t have to complete the assignment in your own time, only on college days, and you can Skype them anytime to ask for help, or email. Blackpool college is great, however the work seems very easy

Not at all, simply because the stuff you learn at college, or if you went to uni the knowledge and skills in an engineering course are completely different to the challenges faced day to day as an engineer, hands on skills are required, so the placements and work helps me so much more to perform better in my work

Not organised by BAE, but there are lots of apprentice led events, such as going to the pub meets often, and there is football, volleyball, mountain biking, climbing, network etc. Also you get to travel and go on work days/ weeks in other countries or areas of the UK and stay in a hotel which is a big bonus

Yes

The pay is good, it’s a solid job and you learn a lot. The town of barrow is dull, but if you make good friends you’ll be fine. The job is exciting and fun, and you will absorb so much information and skills to prepare you for working life

Prepare well, practice a lot for the interviews at school or home and give yourself lots of time to apply. And research the area first, take up any opportunities you get there and throw yourself into everything to make the most of your time here. Good luck you have got this!