EN-Apprentice Engineer-Engineer I Review

Currently I am a second-year apprentice, my role for this year as well as for next year and the year after is to take part in various placements within the business where I can do real-life work based on the placement that I am in. This provides me with real experience, working for people who are all fully established within the industry.

I have learnt a lot about traversing through the varied databases that are used within the industry. I have also managed to massively increase my understanding of Microsoft Excel, Excel was something I was always aware of but never fully understood. I am currently learning how to use Microsoft Access for the placement that i am currently in.

I fully enjoy the work that I am doing within my apprenticeship. I am constantly learning everyday and I am able to communicate with the appropriate people if necessary. I have had a great start to my apprenticeship and I am looking forward to what lies ahead in the near and distant future.

The structure in my apprenticeship is probably the only thing that I have a small criticism about. During the transition from the Aircraft Maintenance Academy (AMA) at Humberside Airport to the Brough site, we had a very brief introduction as to how things worked, but we didn't have a proper formal Induction until months later after certain apprentices requested it. Another thing I would like to mention is how the "Job Packs" for our NVQ work has been delivered. I don't recall being given a detailed brief of how they are supposed to be done by anyone official. Everything I know has been passed down from apprentice to apprentice which leaves concern for requirement accuracy and leaves me to be more conservative about what they I am told, as it could be incorrect or inaccurate based on their interpretation and that of the apprentice who told them.

I believe that I receive a fantastic amount of support from my employer and colleagues, we have all been given the appropriate points of contact if we wish to voice any concerns or have any queries about things in and outside of work. Everyone is understanding and they are all happy to help if needed.

I think that I receive a great amount of support from the instructors at HETA. Although I am (as well as the other BAE Systems apprentices) external to HETA's own students, I feel that we are all treated with the same level of respect and professionalism during our time there.

I feel that it provides a tonne of background knowledge and understanding, although I am still doing my qualification I can already see how it would be incorporated and used within the placement roles in which I have already undertaken. This further adds to my confidence when hearing a discussion about certain engineering methods/aspects within my role.

There are several extra-curricular activities to take a part in, but they are spread out over the course of the year, i.e. there isn't a specific activity that occurs weekly on a specific day at a specific time. To my understanding, the Brough LAC are in the middle of organising several events to take place for all Brough apprentices to take a part in if they want to.

Yes

BAE Systems provide loads of high-quality apprentices schemes throughout the country with an almost unmatched apprentice salary. BAE Systems are a reputable company who take a professional approach to everything they do, this is beneficial for a young individual as being surrounded by such a professional environment with knowledgeable employees really helps in the learning process as well as building the foundation of maturity and responsibility. To further back-up my statement, I have indeed recommended the BAE Systems apprentice schemes to a friend who in fact applied and got to the latter stages of the recruitment process. They unfortunately did not get recruited but they are eager to apply again next year, this time for a degree apprenticeship.

One piece of advice that I would and have given is to do you homework and understand what BAE Systems is all about, i.e. their history, global influence and how varied their work is. Another piece of advice would be to go to Open Mornings/Days to learn more about the different schemes from already established employees and apprentices themselves. Further to this, getting work experience with the company is also beneficial as this can give you a brief insight as to how things work and what the company does.