Network Engineer Review

I've been involved in a number of different teams during my apprenticeship and have been lucky to have lots of different things to do day-to-day. My main role now is hands on working with the equipment building network cabinets and configuring them.

Both through the University and through BAE themselves I have learnt a number of different skills. Ranging from computer network and cloud computing skills to working in ship environments and how to correctly and safely work for BAE Systems.

I have roughly enjoyed my time on the BAE Systems apprenticeship programme, I have been involved in a number of different important projects, while having important responsibilities. Every team I have worked with have been very nice and accommodating for apprentices, helping me whenever I've been stuck. I've always been made to feel part of the team with external activities as well, this includes a weekly football session, Christmas parties and charity fundraising events.

The programme has been very organised and well structured. The university side, I've always known who to talk to for any of my issues and they have always been available to talk and help. Looking at BAE Systems I have had the same apprenticeship manager throughout my apprenticeship journey, who has helped me with any issues I've had with the apprenticeship. I have then had a different placement manager depending on the team I was working for, who has given me my day-to-day tasks and helped me with any issues with these tasks.

I have received lots of support from BAE Systems, this has come in lots of different ways. At a basic level they have helped me with my day-to-day tasks and ensuring I pass my University Degree. However, they have also helped me at a higher level, allowing me time off to look at house/flats for when I've had to move placements. Also regularly making sure I am okay with my placement and there is no other issues currently going on in my life, I'm sure if there was any issues they would have helped out in any way they could.

The University of Winchester has been very good at ensuring I pass my Degree. All the tutors I've had have been very good, answering any questions I have had as well as helping with my projects. I have also been offered one-to-one sessions to help me with my projects, and to catch up if I ever fell behind. All sessions were uploaded so you could easily catch up and the tutors kept me on track so I was never completing all my assignments on deadline day.

The University course has had a number of different modules which have been useful and I have carried learning from them with me in to the workplace. Modules such as computer networking 1 & 2, helped me first get an understanding of a computer network and then further how to build an efficient network. Then I had other modules such as management which while not useful right now in my career, I hope will be useful down the line.

During my time on the BAE Systems apprenticeship there have been several social events I have been involved with. Every year there is a Christmas party put on my the team I was a part of at that time. There is a weekly football session put on, where anyone is welcome to come and play, for a cheap price. Every year BAE Systems do a number of charity events which could be anything from a fund raising walk/run, to community projects such as re-decorating a school or cleaning up an area of the community.

Yes

I have enjoyed every second of the apprenticeship programme, both working at BAE Systems and learning at Winchester. One of the best parts of working with BAE Systems is knowing how important the work you do actually is. I've also enjoyed seeing a project through from planning and designing to building and finally installing with the customer. Based off my experience I would happily recommend the BAE Systems apprenticeship programme to anyone.

To any other people applying for the BAE Systems apprenticeship I would say it's important to be yourself and not be scared about the application processes. If the application processes is successful and you are offered a position with BAE Systems don't be scared to ask for help and make sure you try as many different job roles as possible. BAE Systems like to move their apprentices around so they can experience different teams and responsibilities, try and make the most of these as its easier to join these teams and make mistakes as a apprentice then it is later down the line as a full time employee.