Trials and commissioning engineer Review

My role as a trials and commissioning engineer apprentice is to attend both college and on-site training. In college my role is to attend classes that consist of both hands-on education like lathe-turning or hand-firting, and academic classes such as statics and dynamics, maths etc. My role on-site is to gain valuable experience from mentors and managers.

I have learnt many new skills in college and on-site. In college, so far I have learnt how to use a MIG welder and construct various joints using welding techniques. I have also learnt how to contrust a pipe assembly and how to pressure test it. On-site I have learnt a lot about how a ship is constructed and how it is brought to life by the commissioning team.

I enjoy my programme to a great extent. Personally, i prefer being on-site and learning by experience. I enjoy navigating around the ship and learning from managers about each system. I enjoy that the programme consists of office based engineering with the use of different software, and hands on engineering on ship.

I believe the programme is structured very well as it gives you a chance to earn while you learn, as well as get both college education and on-site training. College gives you the basic principles you need to know, and on-site training goves you more specific, in-depth training that is ship specialized.

You receive a lot of support from the employer. Programme leaders can be spoken to on a personal level and are eager to help you if you are in need of anything. There are also platforms in place at BAE Systems to help you if you are in need, such as the employee assistance programme.

You receive a lot of support from your training provider. The training provider has software in place that makes it easy to access course information, and submit reports or knowledge questions. The lecturers can access this and mark your reports/questions. They give you feedback in class and online to help you work towards your qualification.

I feel that my qualification helps me to perform better in my role as it gives me basic knowledge which is needed to perform at work. They also provide you with safety training which is critical in the workplace. The training provider tries to make the course relevant to your on-site role.

At work you meet numerous people and make new friends. Everyone is usually eager to help you learn and show you how things work. I am unaware of any social events, sports teams or professional networking events in my department. This may be an idea for future apprentices if it is not currently an option.

Yes

I would recommend BAE systems to a friend as it is a great place to work, with extremely helpful managers who are eager to help you develop and gain the skills necessary to become a qualified engineer. The pay is also very competitive for an apprenticeship, and you gain qualifications whilst also gaining on-site experience.

At BAE timekeeping is essential, so my main tip would be always to show up to work on time. Safety in the workplace is the main priority at BAE systems so my adive would be to be as safe as possible at all times and do not take unnecessary risks.