Apprentice Machinist Review

by BAE Systems

Best Apprenticeship Employer

Rating

8.3/10

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

I am an apprentice machinist, with daily tasks including making equipment for colleagues and completing parts to go on the aircraft. I work on lathes, milling machines and grinding machines.

8/10

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

I have learnt how to control and use lathes and milling machines with high precision. I am just completing a level 3 BTEC in Aeronautical engineering and moving on to a HNC soon.

9/10

3. To what extent do you enjoy your programme?

I enjoy every part of my apprenticeship, when busy the days fly by and I am learning while I do this. The company is more than happy to help out in any way possible.

8/10

4. How valued do you feel by BAE Systems?

People are very friendly here and if you complete a job they have asked you to do they are appreciative of this and happy to assist in your work you are completing. There are schemes in MAI which include Above and Beyond which is an incentive scheme giving money to people who go above there job roles or help others.

7/10

5. How well organised/structured is your programme?

The structure in the first year was set around a rotation plan covering all areas to work. The second year is more lenient in the machine shop, as all the machines are in the same place so can swap and change as and when.

9/10

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

I have an assessor who can help me in times of need, plus the college tutors are also very friendly and happy to email out of college time. Assessors come in regular to see how you are getting on a give new tasks to be doing.

8/10

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

If in need at work I have a full management team ready to help me and if they can't they will find someone who will. My managers are more than happy to help with college work or events out of work.

9/10

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

It is a very competitive salary for an apprentice, but does get tight when travelling quite a distance per day. In the second year it's almost £7 per hour so double minimum wage for an apprentice.

7/10

8. Are there many opportunities outside of work?

There are loads of activities to do out of work these include charity events and heritage which show the history of the site and replicate the aircraft.

10/10

9. Would you recommend BAE Systems to a friend?

Yes

9b. Why?

Very good wage for an apprentice and always ready to help in a situation being big or small. Your health and well being are considered very important and always provide high grade PPE.

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

Research the company and know what the different sites do (MAI, Submarines, Ships, Munitions, Land vehicles and Electrical warfare. There is an online test make sure you do this alone, because if you get to interview you will have to do another just like it.