Engineering Technician Apprentice Review

As an Engineering Technician Apprentice as BAE Systems Naval Ships you work more on the design of the ship using cad software's to develop and create drawings that are used in the production of the ship. An "Engineering Technician Apprentice" is a very general name for good reason, there are many different roles an ENGTECH apprentice can go on to perform with different disciplines and stages of design to be involved in.

During my time here at BAE systems as an apprentice I have been able to gain first hand experience at designing and understanding manufacturing of complex projects. While also being exposed to a multitude of work that challenges me to constantly learn and develop my own knowledge. One thing before coming into this apprenticeship I knew I wasn't very good at was communicating my ideas and confidence. However, the team working in BAE systems have allowed me to develop these skills in a friendly professional working environment. Through opportunity's in the apprenticeship I have also been able to develop my academic skills and have so far achieved to HNCs in Engineering Systems and Mechanical Engineering. I am now working towards my HND for Mechanical Engineering.

I have enjoyed the programme greatly as BAE Systems has unique interesting projects where quite often no two days are the same. As an apprentice I have been performing live work that has real meaningful impact on projects and how they are delivered to our customers. I have been able to develop great friendships as well with my fellow apprentices and we have supported each other through out the apprenticeship. My work colleagues in the working environment are also great and are always happy to support me in any task that I may have.

The Apprentice Programme is pretty well structured and flexible, as a ENGTECH Apprentice we preform 12 weeks placements in different teams in engineering. This helps to expose us to multiple different roles picking up many key skills that will be needed later in our careers. The movement around the business also gives us the unique perspective of how one teams work can impact another teams work, giving us great insight into the "working pipeline" that is needed in delivering projects like the Type 26 City Class Frigates from an engineering view.

I have experienced amazing support in each team I have had the pleasure to work with. Although the work that is given can be challenging at times there is a good network of subject mater experts that can be contacted to help you achieve solutions to any problems you may have. The company is very good at supporting you outside of work and is very understanding and supportive when emergency's come up in your life.

BAE Systems has been good at supporting me to achieve my SVQ level 3 and HNCs/HND. 5 hours a week are giving to complete logs around work that are used to gain your SVQ and sessions around the SVQ work are put on to help guide you in what is necessary for the completion of the SVQ. BAE systems also works closely with the college to ensure that we are always on track to complete our course.

The work done at the college prepares you for your role in work quite well. It helps you start to understand the world of engineering and even helps guide you in your continuous professional development. Key subjects such as CAD, Mathematics, Statics and Thermo-fluids all aid you when dealing with engineering problems.

BAE Systems encourages employees to get more involved with extra curricular activities. Groups like embrace that shares and explores the many different cultures in Britain, Andys Man Club that explores men's mental health and the many, many, charities that BAE systems supports. In engineering in particular we are also encouraged to become STEM Ambassador to help people consider a career in Engineering and this see us going into to schools to try and create that much needed spark in young that they can become engineers.

Yes

BAE is a great company to work as an apprentice, with flexible working, exciting projects, great apprentice wages while learning on the job, opportunity's to go to university after the apprenticeship, amazingly friendly working environment and is a great starting point to launch a career in engineering with many different paths to go down.

1. Take a genuine interest in the business - BAE systems has many projects that are exciting and interesting that helps serve the nation and our armed forces preform their vital role. 2. Put your personality out there - When applying talk about your hobbies and interest and how they could possibly link to the work or has transferable skills.