Detail Design Draftsman Review

I am an apprentice in the Naval ships sector. My job involves editing and creating drawings which are then used on the overall design of the warship. I have to discuss tasks with managers and organise meetings with others in order to go ahead with tasks given out. I mainly do electrical cable routes and node diagrams for the design of the ship. I am usually advised by my manager and other colleagues on what areas to look into and which need work on.

My skills have developed whilst being on this apprenticeship. I could already use CAD software, but I have had more in depth train with Foran and Tribon M3. In previous placements I have also been involved with new projects going forward learning to chair meetings and communicate with other within the company and external contractors we wish to do work for us.

I enjoy my program, I think it has been worthwhile. However, the thing I feel I have benefited the most from is going out and finding placements that interest me, working for BAE gives me the freedom to do this.

I feel valued, of course everyone has days where they feel underappreciated but those days are few and far between. I think I have been accepted into every team and earned the respect of my peers when doing the work.

The process is as organised as you are willing to make it. If you do not wish to go out and hunt for placements which you may enjoy you are only going to have the best of what the company thinks it can offer you. If you are willing to go out and hunt for it then there is nothing stopping you from having a great apprenticeship.

I receive a good amount of support from them, both the college and the NVQ assessor are always on hand if I need guidance.

I receive plenty of support and I always have people to turn to if necessary.

The salary meets my costs to a point. Having moved to the south from the midlands though I have noticed the increased in the cost of living.

There are plenty of opportunities outside of work with BAE. I am a STEM ambassador and have been involved in many different company event as well as challenges which I have been successful in. There are other opportunities within outside of work to involve activities - I am an avid rock climber, having competed whilst being at Uni, so having a climbing centre within a short train journey is great for me.

Yes

I would recommend it purely based on my experience not anyone else's views. For me - the apprenticeship is as good as I have made it. If you aren't willing to go out and take the opportunities that are given to you and do the bare minimum to get through then it probably isn't for you but if you wish to get involved and stuck in, the company are more than willing to help.

The hardest struggle for me was getting out of the mentality that I will ask stupid questions. Having not had an engineering background, it took a long time for me to have the confidence in myself to actually go and ask people for help. Once, I had got over that I found it much easer to settle into placements. Talking to the people around you gleaning their knowledge is key. So, my best advice would be ask questions and be proactive, you never know where the answer may lead you.