IMST Trainee Review

I complete various placements within my function of the business. Day-to-day activities can vary depending on the placment I am completing at the time, I am set objectives to complete within the placement time frame and my role can vary depending on these.

I have learnt and developed various skills throughout my time so far on the trainee scheme, this has been through training courses provided to me as well as well as day-to-day activities and my University course. For example, feel I have developed and learnt new IT skills and developed my presenting skills etc.

I enjoy my trainee scheme greatly, I enjoy the fact that I get to experience so many different roles and aspects of the business as well as the extra cirricular opportunities the scheme offers. My day-to-day role is enjoyable in that my days can vary but at the same time I get the opportunity to complete full pieces of work that are relevant to the business.

I feel valued at work in that colleagues know they can rely on me to complete tasks and work provided and are always happy to provide guidance if required. Likewise, through the scheme we get the chance to attend/take part in many development opportunities which shows that we are valued as time is taken to develop us for our future roles.

The programme is well organised and structured in that we have frequent reviews and opportunities to discuss placements etc. as well as the chance to review progress etc. Placments have recently become less structured in that I have the option to change the plan/extend placements and focus on certain areas. This has been a positive step as it means I can still experience various aspects of the function but have more of a say in what I do. On the other hand, it is still good to have the structured reviews every 12 weeks/six months etc. as this gives me the chance to pick one improvement opportunity I can focus on.

For this question I have taken the "training provider" to mean the University that I attend once a week as through this trainee scheme I am working towards a Foundation Degree (DipHE). As a student of the University it is expected that I take responsibility for all aspects of my study i.e. ensuring good attendance and completion of assignments. However, the lecturers are always happy to offer guidance and a Senior Lecturer acts as a sort of point of contact if we ever have any issues.

I receive a lot of support from my employer especially the Early Careers department who are there if I have any problems and organise and organise frequent reviews with me as well as the six monthly reviews that I arrange myself as part of the scheme.

I believe my salary means that I am not only able to cover costs including accomodation costs and travel costs etc. but I am also able to save a proportion of my wage.

Outside of day-to-day work there are various opportunities such as stretch assignments which offer me the chance to develop behaviours and skills that may not necessarily be covered through placments. Likewise, there is the chance to complete various training courses that will aid in my future placments and career. Likewise, there are various opportunities to help at events that support the business and the Early Careers community, promoting the scheme etc. Outside of work all together there are also opportunities to meet other people from the Trainee and Graduate schemes.

Yes

I would recommend BAE Systems and the trainee scheme specifically to a friend because it offers the opportunity to learn on the job as well as getting a University education. The fact that I can complete placements around my function and the rest of the business also means that I can make contacts that I can use throughout my future career.

I would tell other people applying to BAE Systems to firstly research the various opportunities available and select the one that your skills apply to most greatly. After this take the time to complete any application forms with detail and if getting an interview try not be nervous and try your best with any challenges that you are set.