Technical Apprentice Review

My role as a Technical Apprentice for BAE Systems is to support and get involved with the different departments and areas we undertake placements in. Each placement covers a different aspect of the business; for example, design, testing, in service support, and systems.

Throughout my apprenticeship so far I feel I have developed my confidence a considerable amount, this is due to all the different areas you have to get involved in; I also feel this is due to the amount of enrichment programmes I have had the opportunity to be a part of. I have taken part in the ‘Princes Trust Team Programme’, the ‘Apprentice Innovation Challenge’, and even have the opportunity to promote STEM, (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) subjects in Bahrain.

As I have mentioned above I have had the opportunity to undertake many different enrichment programmes while in my apprenticeship so far; this has been an aspect of the apprenticeship I have thoroughly enjoyed. Each programme I have been on has developed my skills to a high standard and I feel this has been reflected within my career.

I myself feel very valued by BAE Systems as they have been able to support my needs and have treated me as an individual. As I have been chosen to represent the company on several occasions I feel the company has recognised me as an individual.

The Technician Apprenticeship at BAE Systems is well organised in most aspects; when it comes to finding placements within the company, because it is such a large organisation, it can be difficult to find where you would like to be placed next. There isn’t much information to hand about the different placements available to apprentices. However, the programme is working on this and they are putting together a ‘portfolio’ about the different placements and what each one involves.

I feel my training provider is very well supportive in what I am doing in my apprenticeship. I came into the business with very little knowledge as to what I wanted to do as a final job. My training providers has therefore supported me and allowed me to try to get a broad / top level understanding of as many different areas of the business as possible; hopefully aiding my final decision.

The amount of support I get from my employer, (BAE Systems) is at a very high level. After my year of training in the training centre I was still unsure how the business functioned and what different projects they were undertaking. Throughout my placements I have been given the opportunity to see for myself the variety of work that goes on.

The salary / package meets my costs and needs very well. Although the first year salary isn’t the highest paid apprenticeship, it is still enough to cover everything. As each year passes, as an apprentice you get yearly increases, with the final year salary increasing a considerable amount.

As well as having a very good apprenticeship scheme, BAE Systems allow you the opportunity to undertake many enrichment programmes. Some of programmes available to apprentices are, the ‘Princes Trust Team Programme’, the ‘Apprentice Innovation Challenge’, the ‘German Exchange’, ‘World Skills’, and ‘STEM Ambassador Scheme’.

Yes

I would recommend BAE Systems to a friend as I have found it to be both interesting and thoroughly enjoyable. They have providing me with countless opportunities and support where and when I have needed it, and have helped me build foundations for a good future career. I have also been to college and had other jobs, but I have found that BAE Systems was the best option for me.

The tips or advice I would give people applying for BAE Systems is to show enthusiasm, show you are keen to work and learn, and to take any opportunity given to you.