Apprentice Software Engineer Review

As an apprentice I am assigned to a project for a 6 month period, through tout this 6 months I work with the team on real world solutions while documenting my progress for diploma. Coupled with this is my University Degree which I study for on Thursdays and Fridays. after my placement is over I move to a different project for another 6 months.

I came into the apprenticeship with a very surface level knowledge of computing and software engineering. working alongside junior and senior engineers has shown me a great amount of common practice within the industry. The software engineering challenges are the same ones given to starter engineers meaning I can learn from the entire experience and continue to apply what I learnt.

The program is very enjoyable. coming straight out of school has meant this entire process is a very different environment for me. However, I really prefer a more flexible timetable as well as the amount of support I get no matter which task I'm doing. The support towards my degree is not as great but I learn better independently.

Overall the programme is very organised, the rotation between programs is relatively clear as well as integration into a new project. and the information required for diploma was all given to me including some extra aid. However, the university experience has been quite lacklustre mostly due to the lack of communication between the university and apprentices.

when working I am surrounded by a handful of very skilled and experienced employees, whenever I am stuck or challenged I am able to find a peer quickly who can help me out. The environment also promotes apprentices to ask questions. further more, there are a handful of resources towards physical and mental health.

my two qualifications I am working towards is my Engineering Diploma and my Software Engineering Degree. regarding the diploma all the information required to complete it was given very early on however, continued support has been varied. Similar to the Degree I have had to do a lot of independent studying which I do prefer but when I require help it isn't always quickly available.

Most if the Diploma is curated to be completed within a working environment and prompts you to make the most out of your role in projects. Regarding the Degree, it does cover a lot of topics which appear during work such as Programming and UML, however, I find I learn much more on the job.

One event done for apprentices was an outdoor expedition week which included a lot of other apprentices, Also, the company has a board games time during lunch time. However beyond that most other evens is a bit of an older group due to most of the office being a lot older than the apprentices.

Yes

BAE System offers a lot of benefits for working with them. they promote very inclusive practices which makes others feel very included. software engineering is also really enjoyable to work on and progress with. However, some people may not agree with the ethics of a defence company or the heightened security that comes with confidential work.

BAE Systems value employees who are capable of problem solving and are open to learning some niche development methods. It also helps being a very logical thinker, this helps when trying to complete certain challenges. You must be open to struggling with solutions and having the confidence to ask a lot of questions.