Commissioning Engineer Review

Commissioning involves testing and setting to work the systems onboard our nuclear submarines.

I have developed many skills since joining the scheme, such as independence, resilience and communication, as well as engineering-specific skills like mechanical and electrical basics, calibration and testing.

The commissioning programme is a nice balance of hands-on work on board the submarine, and office work verifying the test procedures and reviewing drawings. Every day is something new, and there are endless learning opportunities whilst on the job.

The programme could perhaps be more structured, due to the scheme being only three years old. The early careers and function contacts are both working hard to provide a better exoskeleton of the scheme for incoming apprentices, and I trust that this will become evident soon with the expansions to staffing and training.

There is a lot of support in terms of drop-in sessions, learner progress reviews and suchlike from early careers, however function support is heavily determined by the placement you are in, and can fluctuate between excellent and substandard.

We attend consistent reviews at college, and these aim to keep us on track with not only our assignments and examinations, but also with logging our off-the-job hours on onefile and associated admin with our apprenticeship.

The nuclear engineering degree at B&FC has its strengths, providing a more basic overview of reactor plant systems, however the naval reactor aspect of the job is quite niche, so some areas can be lacklustre. however, there are adequate courses through work that accommodate this.

Apprentices are encouraged to get involved with extra-curricular activities such as being a STEM ambassador, visiting schools and such. There are many local sports teams and alike outside of work as barrow is a very tight-knit community.

Yes

I feel like a career at BAE systems is very rewarding, and allows you to see the direct impact you make on the company. This is accompanied by the amazing standard of learning that the company provides.

I believe a genuine enthusiasm for the work is always the greatest factor in determining an employer's interest in the candidate. I wish candidates all the best.