Apprentice Engineer Review

Apprentice Tasks vary depending on the role you are currently in. i am on the technician route within the business and this entails a support role for manufacturing operations. This role encompasses testing and evaluation of materials, products and processes. I interact with a wide variety of internal colleagues and external suppliers or customers. Customers include the RAF and export markets such as Germany and Italy. Every day can be different but my current role sees me process and oversee engineering queries from customers and manage the solution which is produced by the business to overcome the problems experienced.

I have gained a number of qualifications within my apprenticeship including an NVQ L1 in performing engineering operations and and NVQ L2 and L3 in Aeronautical engineering. I am currently working toward my NVQ L4 in aeronautical engineering. Training is carried out depending on the role you are in. Some of these might be operation of machinery and the use of COSHH substances. Our basic training within our first year is extensive to give us a good foundation knowledge for our apprenticeship and the further 3 years are to learn the specific skills required by BAE Systems.

The programme is varied and is a very good knowledge accumulation for my career in engineering. The teams i have worked in are very helpful and are very knowledgeable about their subject. the company culture is good overall however some of the workforce has been in the business since a very early age and may not know any different. this sometimes makes the teams a little hard to implement changes as the way a process has been completed has been the same for many years.

I feel very valued as the ex-apprentice workforce is a large percentage of the current staff. this means that the teams i have been in understand what is required by the apprenticeship and where they can help. Recognition is good both internally and externally for outstanding work and the business is good at identifying good employees. Apprentices are always involved in project both small and large. To this end their are some apprentices who have been abroad on company business as they are a valued member of the team.

The programme is well structured and has a clear goal system. The apprenticeship frameworks are well laid out although some jobs don't fit solely into one part of the framework. Inductions and training for new starters is very well executed. you immediately feel welcome and looked after by different business units. Studying and coursework is given time within the apprenticeship and the support for these activities is very good. The programme is very well organised and the opinion of the apprentices is listened to. the course is not fully dictated by management, if an apprentice feels something could be beneficial to be learnt or experience gained then it is often considered by the course coordinators.

The training provider is excellent. All staff have been extremely professional and the training is very well thought out. Support and guidance is always available and an 'open door' approach is always offered by the training staff. No problem seems too small and they are always happy to help where they can or find the support that you require. I have thoroughly enjoyed my apprenticeship and i feel it has been the best career decision i have made so far.

The training is provided by BAE Systems itself and therefore the transition between the training facilities and out into the business is very good. All levels of management have been very helpful and supporting. The HR team is good although not much contact has been had.

The salary and benefits such as share packages and pension schemes are second to none. even as an apprentice you gain the same benefits package as any BAE Systems employee. Travel costs are taken into account from the training facility and the workplace which is great and the location of all of the business is very handy.

There are many events which go on outside of the workplace. including charity event and sponsored events. the business is very good at engaging the local area and many events are held.

Yes

The quality of the course is great and the benefits are very good. It is a very good start to a promising career in engineering.

Motivate yourself to learn about the company and if you are successful to interview then make sure you show that willing to work and determination to be the best you can be.