Trails & Commissioning Engineer Apprentice Review

My role as a Trials and Commissioning Engineer Apprentice is to attend both college and on-site training. At college my role is to attend lectures that consist of hands-on education such as Maintaining Mechanical Devices and Equipment, Wiring and Testing Electrical Equipment and Circuits etc. Whilst on-site my role is to gain experience from colleges and mentors around me, have tasks assigned and to be completed.

I have learnt many new skills whilst at college and on-site. At college, so far I have learnt how wire up a simple lighting switch circuit using the various tools available such as a electrical wire snips, combination pliers etc. I have also learnt how to construct a pipe assembly and how to pressure test it during the Forming and Assembling Pipework Systems course. During my on-site experience I have learnt a lot about how a ship is constructed and what Trails and Commissioning do individually for the ship to be fully ready.

Overall I have enjoyed my programme so far. Personally, I prefer being at college and learning how to wire up circuits, maintaining mechanical equipment and understanding what tools to use for different tasks. On-site experience is a different matter, I do enjoy my time whilst on-site though there has not been much work as of late (It is to be expected as an apprentice as we are learning), however when the there is work to do it is very enjoyable. I also enjoy navigating around the ship and learning from commissioning engineers about different systems and what role they play within the ship.

As this is a relatively new apprenticeship there will be a lot of changes during the programme so everything mentioned is as of now and not overall. I believe the programme is somewhat structured (50/50), most of the college classes are focused around mechanical and not electrical (I prefer electrical so it is a biased review), I do believe it should be a 50/50 split of electrical and mechanical to help decide what discipline you would prefer. On-site experience has been excellent as it gives you a chance to learn from those with experience and earn, as well as get both college education and on-site training. College gives you the basic principles you need to know, and on-site training is more role specific training.

While you are at college or on-site you do receive a lot of support from your employers. Programme leaders can be spoken to on a personal level and are willing to help you if you are in need of anything. There are also platforms in place at BAE Systems to help you if you are in need.

You do receive lots of support from your training provider. The training provider has measures in place that makes it easy to access information, and submit reports or ask questions. At college the lecturers can access work that is submitted and mark your reports and questions, you do receive feedback in class and online to help you work towards your qualification.

I feel that my qualification helps me to perform better in my role as it gives me basic knowledge which is needed to perform at work though it is more mechanical orientated (Again electrical bias) it is still relevant to what you do at work. They also provide you with safety training which is mandatory at the workplace, it is needed as you are made more aware of your actions and your surroundings. The training provider tries to make the course relevant to your on-site role as much as possible.

At work you meet numerous people and make new friends. Everyone around you is willing to help you learn and show you how things work. Currently I am unaware of any extra-curricular activates at (work social events, sports teams or professional networking events) within Trails and Commissioning department. I am sure there will be extra-curricular events in the future.

Yes

I would recommend BAE systems to a friend as it is a great place to work, with employees always willing to help you develop and gain the skills necessary to become a qualified engineer. The pay is also very competitive for an apprenticeship, and you gain qualifications whilst gaining on-site experience.

At BAE Systems safety in the workplace is the main priority, always keep as safe as possible at all times and do not take any unnecessary risks, always call out risks/hazard so others are aware as well. Timekeeping is essential, so showing up on time is very important and always showing interest in what you are doing.