Apprentice Review

by BAE Systems

Best Apprenticeship Employer

Rating

6.4/10

1. Please give an overview of your role and what this involves on a day-to-day basis:

Currently a first year apprentice, day to day roles include completing a further education day every monday to complete a BTEC level three, as well as working on PEO 3 days a week within the workshop environment.

7/10

2. Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?

I have learnt many new skills such as working on the machining section as well as various hand fitting skills such as filing and riveting, and also skills working on the electrical section and electrical looming.

7/10

3. To what extent do you enjoy your programme?

I enjoy working and learning new skills at the same time in a practical hands-on workshop environment. I also enjoy the mix of workshop and classroom learning as you're always doing something different.

6/10

4. How valued do you feel by BAE Systems?

I feel like the company is putting a lot of investment into us and our programme and I feel we are valued as they want us to progress well as so we can support and provide our input into the company as employees in the future.

6/10

5. How well organised/structured is your programme?

There is a clear learning plan set out as so each apprentice knows what section they are doing and when, and it is organised as so every apprentice gets to work on every section. However there have been problems with the plan changing occasionally due to disruption.

5/10

6a. How much support do you receive from your training provider?

Our further education is brought to us by external tutors and they provide plenty of tuition and support when it comes to completing assignments. However some subjects I do feel could be taught better.

8/10

6b. How much support do you receive from your employer?

Our employer gives us plenty of support and we get reviews every few months to monitor our progress within the company and you feel that they really care about your progress.

7/10

7. How well does your salary/package meet your costs?

In my case I live alone and I find that the salary just barely covers the cost of living alone (with rent, tax etc) and during the first year it has been a struggle at times. However this may not be the case for everybody.

6/10

8. Are there many opportunities outside of work?

Yes there are plenty of clubs and meetings that employees could attend, however I don't feel they are made known to us very well and I feel we are missing some opportunities.

6/10

9. Would you recommend BAE Systems to a friend?

Yes

9b. Why?

There are many career opportunities with BAE systems and the company has a very good reputation and is a very good one to work for. I have enjoyed the apprenticeship and I feel others should take these opportunities.

10. What tips or advice would you give to others applying to BAE Systems?

A project is needed for your interview, I'd reccomend working hard on this project and a good way of explaining and presenting it as it's a big part of the interview. Also an appreciation or anjoyment of engineering in general would be an advantage, however not vital.