Manufacturing Engineer Review

My role is as a manufacturing engineer. My current placement is in manufacturing build planning which involves using software to plane work orders and add cpc's to routings through part attributions. I have also input routings into said software and planned emergent work orders and carry out other odd jobs as they come up

I have learned loads of new things. I came straight from A Levels so had nearly no experience in industry so above all else I have learned what a manufacturing engineer does and what their role is for. I have also learned how to use lots of new software that is specific to my company role

I would say I really enjoy my programme, although I have decided that Man Eng is probably not for me long term it has allowed me to understand what roles I may want to fulfil as my lifelong career as well as giving me the skills and academic qualification to pursue said roles

I would say that the programme is very well structured, the academic modules are laid out clearly as are the placement rotations. However I would say that BAE Systems is not always the most organised which has led myself and my peers to feel frustrated at times, although it does all work out eventually

We all receive a lot of support from our employer. It is generally very easy to get in touch with people if and when you need help, and in my experience everyone is always on your side as they want you to succeed just as much as you do.

There us lots of support available form my training provider, and it is even more accessible than from my employer. Most lecturers are lovely and always happy to help and if they aren't there are routes to go through to fix any issues you may or may not have.

As I am still early on in my course I would say that I am yet to see any practical opportunities to apply what I learn in college to my role in placement, but hopefully this will change as I progress in my course and start learning more technical and advanced things.

There are loads of extra curricular activities to get involved with at my work, both through apprentice specific routes and via the wider company as a whole. For example, you can get involved with employee resource groups or fundraising activities for various charities, as well as many other opportunities such as stem ambassadorship.

Yes

I would recommend BAE Systems to a friend as they are a large company so offer lots of different opportunities, so even if you decide the role you start in is not for you, it is easier to look at transferring to something you will prefer than it would be in a smaller company.

Look into what business sector you may want to work in and what they specifically do to make sure you are starting where you want to be. As well as this, do research into your specific role so you know what to expect, and take full advantage of the opportunities they offer.