Technical Engineering Apprentice Review

My job title is a Technical Engineering Apprentice, I am in my third year of my apprenticeship. For the past year I have been moving around different placements and spending 16-18 weeks in different areas of the business. I work around 37-40 hours a week, and my job role is very similar to a professional staff member. I am given objectives at the beginning of each placement which I must attain before I leave. This ensures that my skills and knowledge are furthered. I attend college once a week on a Tuesday and I am currently doing my HNC in aeronautical engineering, hopefully I will get a Distinction. In each placement I have to complete my Personal Development Record, a technical placement summary and perform a End of Placement presentation to my peers.

Since joining BAE I have done two years of college, were I attained my Higher National Certificate Level 3 in Engineering. I am now in my HNC. BAE uses a system called Success Factors, which is set out to teach and train employees any knowledge they require through online courses. Whether it be manual handling or online security. My whole first year was spent at Preston Training Centre, in these 10 months I moved around the training centre learning the basics of shop floor engineering from, electrical, turning, milling, aircraft fitting and general fitting. I also tried a bit of CAD.

I really enjoy my job, my current team is brilliant, they are very supportive to my progression as is the company in general.

I often feel appreciated by my company, training centre and manager. Any extra effort I put in is normally recognised and praised. I also feel valued by my college tutors at longridge teaching centre.

At the start we received a 2 week induction where we were given all the details about our apprenticeship. At the start of each placement I received an adequate induction. My apprenticeship is very well organised, this is something I am starting to realise the more I interact with other companies running apprenticeships.

I receive brilliant support from my tutor and advisor including my personal assessor. If I have every have any problems I know exactly who to talk too.

I receive brilliant support from my tutor and advisor including my personal assessor. If I have every have any problems I know exactly who to talk too.

My salary is very completive with other apprenticeships, I am managing my money well and structure my outgoings.

There a few every so often, I have just taken part in a outward bound experience which was put together to encourage the apprentices to bound and work as a team.

Yes

You are earning a fantastic education and brilliant life skills, whilst getting paid a competitive salary! What is not to like. You will build fantastic working relationships which will stand you in good steads for the future. I see BAE more as a career than a job.

Do not hesitate when applying for BAE systems. Perform all the online assessments alone as you will be required to do them in test conditions later. Become a YES person, take every opportunities you are offered. You will be told everything you need to know in advance.