Network Engineer Apprentice Review

My specialism is network engineering, so I do a mixture of hardware and software, which requires going onsite often - good for social networking. BAE provides L6 apprentices with their own laptops so I check emails daily and attend a mix of online/ in person meetings to discuss ongoing engineering projects.

I have developed many soft and technical skills. Doing an apprenticeship has been fantastic so far as I have improved my communication skills in the workplace greatly . I have also learnt and been able to apply engineering techniques that are new in industry and have a wider impact.

I love the apprenticeship that I am currently doing. We receive the same benefits as fully qualified engineers such as flexi hours, impact recognition rewards and a shares scheme. The business runs on project based work and I enjoy the variation in working, no workday is the same.

BAE Systems could be thought of as a franchise of smaller business units. Within business sectors there is structure. Terms of employment are different for each business sector and this can make having a regulated structure and connections between apprentices and early careers across business sectors more difficult at times.

I have good communication with my current placement manager, where we have regular 1-1 sessions to discuss what projects I am currently working on and to look at any updates in my KSB log. I feel fully supported by my placement manager.

I have good communication with my current university skills coach, where we have regular 1-1 sessions to discuss what projects I am currently working on and to look at any updates in my KSB log. Lecturers hold 1-1 support workshops which is incredibly helpful for assignments.

I have some more understanding of the software development cycle in engineering that I could apply. I would like for more of the university workload to be applicable to what I do in my job role but I think this will come after learning foundations as I am still in my first year.

We have had a few talks from speakers in different sectors of industry on topics such as robotics, aviation and engineering sensors. In terms of extracurricular activities, I would like to see more opportunities to do things like cyber competitions or workshops on another area of technology.

Yes

Personally, I preferred the concept of doing practical work and gaining the opportunity to network with other engineers doing different job roles than mostly attending university lectures. No debt & a paid salary is a big bonus! I enjoy watching new technology being developed and even more so knowing that I've made an impact towards that happening.

Apply, even if you are already considering university. If doing A-Levels, ask your 6th Form/College to arrange a mock interview with a recruiter in the industry and to get you in touch with current apprentices who can give guidance. Alternatively, use LinkedIn to network and ask directly!