Project Management Apprentice Review

by BAE Systems

Best Apprenticeship Employer

Rating

9.7/10

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

My current placement sees me working on the F-35 Lightning II project in a scheduling capacity. My day to day activity is comprised of gathering data, communicating with other project teams and stakeholders, consolidating the data I gather into a master schedule and then reporting my findings both internally and to the customer. Aside from this I am student and year rep for my intake year. This gives me the chance to help my colleagues, represent their views and opinions and shape the way the course operates.

10/10

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

The training I have been offered has been fantastic. In the short time I have been with the company I have learnt an incredible amount. The learning curve can be extremely steep at times but I have enjoyed the challenge and can really see the development in myself.

10/10

3. To what extent do you enjoy your programme?

I love my job - simple as that!

10/10

4. How valued do you feel by BAE Systems?

Incredibly so. The scheme I am on is extremely well regarded throughout the company and seeing first hand how much time, effort and resource is invested in my development makes me feel very well valued.

10/10

5. How well organised/structured is your programme?

Very well. The training opportunities afforded to me are excellent, the organisation of the scheme is logical, straightforward and well communicated.

10/10

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

A good amount. As rep I am in regular contact with college tutors and curriculum leaders about a number of issues - I do feel there is room for improvement in this aspect of the course as things aren't perfect and some decisions/actions aren't well thought out or communicated as effectively as they could be.

7/10

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

A lot. Scheme management are fantastic and I am lucky enough to currently be under the care of a particularly dedicated early careers manager on the F-35 programme. The level of care and personal investment they have in the scheme is very evident.

10/10

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

The salary for our scheme is very generous and the potential to improve it is made clear to us and is achievable.

10/10

8. Are there many opportunities outside of work?

I am part of the education ambassador programme which offers me the opportunity to engage with local schools and colleges to promote careers in STEM industry and aerospace and to also offer career advice.

10/10

9. Would you recommend BAE Systems to a friend?

Yes

9b. Why?

I love my job - the people and the work - and I believe it is the kind of environment that rewards hard work and effort.

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

Be honest, pay attention to the competencies the application states it is testing and make a real effort to show how you meet those competencies. Make the effort to really polish your application - no silly mistakes.