EDAS Software Engineer Review

As a software engineer, I design, develop, and maintain software systems. Daily tasks involve coding, debugging, and testing, as well as participating in design discussions and code reviews. I collaborate closely with other engineers and stakeholders, translating their needs into technical requirements. Continually learning about new technologies and methodologies keeps me updated in this fast-evolving field. Ensuring software quality and functionality while optimizing performance is the crux of my role.

I have significantly improved my proficiency in C++ and C#, which has aided in streamlining my problem-solving approach in complex projects. Additionally, I have learnt ADA and SCADE, which has opened up new paradigms of software engineering, especially in safety-critical systems. On the professional front, I've enhanced my team collaboration and project management skills, promoting efficiency and better outcomes in our team endeavours. Overall, these experiences are continuously shaping me into a more versatile and effective software engineer.

The program as a whole is a great scheme, getting a salary whilst studying at university is definitely helpful. Being with UCLan is not so enjoyable as some of the lecturers are incompetent. For example, no feedback given on a draft report even after the final submission for the report. The workplace is a lot better with helpful and supportive managers who are great to work with. The early careers team are also not the best to deal with, leaving a cohort for 3 years with no support and then blaming them for not completing enough work and calling it an 'early intervention'. Overall, the social aspect of university and placement work are the most enjoyable parts of the programme.

It is well organised in terms of splitting university work and placement work. All managers are aware of the situation and allow apprentices to take their two university days without resistance. Aforementioned diploma work is not well organised as stated, a cohort was left for three years without any support and were expected to do more. Whilst it is well organised, there is definitely room for improvement.

Placement managers offer a lot of support and in some cases, will fight for you when issues arise. For example, the early careers team has been known to knock apprentices for not doing enough work in a review, where the manager has had to step in and argue otherwise. From my experience, each placement manager is easy to approach and understand their own field to a high level to assist with any issues, whether it be work or university related. Therefore, this score is based on placement managers and the room for improvement is for other teams.

The university has incompetent lecturers, as previously stated. There have been some assignments that have been handed back with no feedback at all, leaving the apprentice confused with the score they have been given. Although, this is not all lecturers and some, such as Tony genuinely want to see the best from you and will immediately answer any queries and offer support for assignments and revision. Unfortunately, as a whole my experience with UCLan has not been the best and most lecturers have been lazy and incompetent, even complaining at you when you go above their heads to complain.

In university, we have completed multiple programming modules which can help within the workplace. For example, my current role includes programming with C++ and this was a module that was completed at university which gives an introduction to the language for use in industry. However, that is all it is, an introduction and only the very basic techniques are taught which often don't apply to the workplace work. Other modules are useless for the role, such as writing specifications in dafny which is a language I had never heard of and will likely never touch again.

At Warton site, there is a nearby club for activities such as bowling and football as well as a run club. Events such as C++ and MATLAB Expos are also available to learn more about the languages. In some teams, lunches are organised to get out of the office in a social environment and some teams may go out for a drink on an irregular basis.

Yes

BAE Systems provides a diverse and inclusive environment that encourages professional growth. With challenging projects, innovative technologies, and opportunities to work on defence and aerospace solutions, it's a great place for software engineers. There's a strong focus on learning and development, offering various training programs. The work-life balance is commendable, and the company values its employees. There is also option for hybrid working, being in office and at home on different days of the week.

When applying to BAE Systems, it's crucial to showcase your technical skills and your passion for the defence and aerospace industry. Highlight any relevant projects or experiences you've had. However, BAE also greatly values team players and problem solvers, so make sure to emphasize your soft skills, such as communication and collaboration, as well. Do your research about the company's work culture, values, and recent projects to express a genuine interest in your application. It's also beneficial to familiarize yourself with the standards and requirements of the defence sector.