Technician Apprentice Review

My Final placement/where i will start work after the apprenticeship includes the testing and fault finding of F-35 fighter jet parts such as the active stick/throttle and inceptor control units. day to day i run ATP's and carry out fault diagnostics on electronic units.

I have learnt a lot of new skills, i came into this apprenticeship with little/no knowledge of electronics and have come a long way since then, as well as technical skills i have also leant a lot about project managment, increased my personal confidence significantly and many other skills.

This Apprenticeship programme is really enjoyable as its a way to get you into a great career, while meeting new people and learning new skills. I moved away from home for this apprenticeship, but it couldn't have been made easier with the support of the company and other apprentices/BAE employees.

As a BAE employee, you feel valued a lot of the time. Your always kept in the loop with new ideas and changes, and your opinion is always wanted. Occasionaly you may be pushed to the side as your an apprentice, but this isnt done in a bad way, only when a priority task needs completing which you do not have the sufficient knowledge/experience to complete.

Overall the programme is well structured, there have been some issues over the years, but they have always been rectified as soon as possible. the programme has been ran for a long time now and is getting better every year (organisation wise).

Initialy for the first 2 years you recieve a lot of help/guidance, although in your third year you become more independant and this support becomes less. But they are always there to help when needed, they never stop providing support.

Support from my employer is never ending, any training required is usualy provided, and if you ever find yourself stuck or in need of help, they are there to help.

Most months are a struggle, i often need to borrow money from family members, as i moved away from home all costs from car insurance/food/rent add up, although the pay packet is enough to survive, i dont have much room to save.

Plenty of events are happining outside of work from sporting to general social events. i also found a lot of my living arrangements through other BAE employees.

Yes

Because the Scheme and company is really well organised and very supportive inside and out of work. and the oppertunities are endless.

If your willing to put in the effort its a great job, you get out what you put in. The flexi hours is great and can make your hours fit around your lifestyle a little easier that a standard 9-5 job. Overall the company cannot be faulted by the way it treats is employees. There is always a step up your able to take. During the apprenticeship there is a lot of work to complete from NVQ, HNC and any other qualifications you undertake, although its all worth it after, if i had to rate the programme overall is would definately get 10/10.