Trainee Design Engineer Review

I am currently in the middle of my 12 month anchor role at BAE Systems. I work closely with a team of engineering professional's to help provide design solutions and design support for the latest small support vessels, used by our royal navy and other navies across the globe.

I have had the opportunity to shadow experienced professional's in their field of work, across different areas of BAE Systems maritime services business. The apprenticeship scheme has allowed me to develop my personal and professional skills as my future relies on how proactive and enthusiastic I am in the workplace. In my new role I have the opportunity to use the latest design software to aid in the important engineering decisions I may day to day.

The programme does well to support young people like myself through to a career in engineering. As well as, giving me exposure to different areas in the business. However, some placements are better than others, there is not always room for every apprentice to experience a department of their choosing, but with some hard work and determination I have been successful in securing a role in the team which I believed to be most suited to me.

The structure of the programme is better in some areas and worse in others. Something I benefit from, is that the opportunities are their for the taking and much is left to the apprentice, meaning a proactive and driven individual can find themselves doing exceptionally well after completing their apprenticeship program.

The support for health and wellbeing is good as a BAE Systems employee. The business ensures that all employees are made aware of: supporting programmes, places to go for help and social activities. As i moved around the business as an apprentice, most teams and line managers did their best to help me in any way they could.

My training provider, CEMAST Engineering College, offered a well structured 2 year HNC course. However, some teachers offered more support than others and that was sometimes quite noticeable. I knew that, should i be struggling in class or online, I could go to the more enthusiastic teachers for support during my HNC.

It helps to learn the theory behind electrical and mechanical practises. My HNC course helped to keep my mind active and gave me the opportunity to manage difficult assignments, projects and exams alongside my role at BAE Systems. These are all interchangeable skills that can benefit my apprenticeship and make me feel more comfortable in my role at work.

Yes, there are plenty of opportunities to get involved in social activities outside of work hours. Things like, kayaking, go-karting, climbing all have like-minded apprentices and graduates who help to organise these external activities (at your expenses, obviously). There is STEM activities to get involved with also which get emailed out to apprentice groups on a regular basis.

Yes

Although it is challenging to receive an offer for an apprenticeship, there is good reason for it. They provide a structured scheme, with opportunities for a job on completion of your apprenticeship. You will have the support of your peers during your HNC and from the experienced professional's in your role.

The application process can be lengthily and many people apply across all of the courses on offer each year. However, speaking from experience, if you research the business, prepare well, remain determined and express your enthusiasm for a role in the business you will stand a great chance of kickstarting your future as a BAE Systems engineer.