Degree Apprentice Engineer Review

Currently site facility management, where I shadow meetings and run my own improvement projects with support from my manager and my team. This involves some practical work such as surveying and mapping the site, alongside some design tasks and a large amount of interfacing with other members of the team / projects so as to ensure overall coordination.

Throughout my apprenticeship, I have developed many new skills such as adhering to guidelines and policy, interfacing with others in my team to achieve the best results, and the ability to function in a large workplace. I have also developed skills such as my design and CAD ability, and also my general problem solving.

I really enjoy my programme, and generally do not find myself feeling bored about the work I am tasked with or worried that I will struggle with work I am given. I generally come to work excited to get started, and have had a multitude of unique experiences afforded to me through my placements which keep my engagement and enjoyment high.

The structure of the programme itself is usually quite clear when it comes to placement timings, however there have been times where not enough work is available and so apprentices have been bored (I have personally experienced this). Also, the early careers department can be tough to get hold of, and also frequently cause confusion and have a general lack of clarity.

I receive a lot of support from my employer in undertaking unique activities and getting the most out of my apprenticeship, such as facilitating trips for off the Job hours, and allowing some time in work to be utilised for college assignments, which alleviates some of the stress caused by both working and studying.

Our training provider often is not very adept at effectively communicating with us or supporting us in our work. The level of teaching varies and so often a lot of our success is based primarily on individual working and developing of our own understanding. This could do with a lot of improvement as the course gets more challenging.

My qualification will in the future have direct relevance to my final role, however for the time being it is only remotely relevant as it is laying the broad groundwork for the degree. However, I do think it has been useful to understand the possibilities available to us in engineering and provides good knowledge of process, formula etc.

There are no extra curricular activities relating to sports or other universities, like experiences within the apprentice community, however there are often social events held both within the apprentice community and also in individual teams, so there are opportunities to socialise outside of work to a degree. We were also made aware of opportunities in the local area, however this was primarily by apprentices.

Yes

BAE Systems provides many unique experiences due to the nature of its work in the defence industry at the cutting edge of technology, and so constantly has interesting things to get up to as an apprentice. Also, the teams are often made up of many people who have been on apprentice and graduate schemes, so they are very willing to provide assistance when required.

Be prepared to have to work hard, but also be aware you will have many opportunities afforded to you which will improve you as a person and professionally. There will be a lot of work involved as well in getting a qualification alongside participating in a full-time job, however this can be managed so as to not place stress on yourself.