Cost Estimating Higher Apprentice Review

On a normal day my role is compiling estimates for the work that BAE Systems will bid for. This work can be single source bids for the Ministry of Defence or competitive bids for other commercial companies. My role is compiling the estimates, profit an adequate and agreed profit rate and determining the correct labour rate to use. This is then submitted to a senior manager for approval to bid.

During my time at BAE SYSTEMS I have learnt a wide variety of skills which enable me to complete my work to the best quality. These skills include; data analysis techniques, forecasting techniques, coding in SQL, coding in VBA and excellent excel skills, I have also developped excellent communication and organisation skills when I submit my estimate for bid approval.

I very much enjoy my Higher Apprenticeship programme, this is because I am provided with the right opportunities to develop my skills as a cost estimator and my communication, organisation and netowkring abilities. As I rotate around different and varied placements within the business I am provided with opportunities to learn new skills from very experienced personnel.

BAE SYSTEMS values its Higher Apprentices and I definitley feel valued. This can be from tangible rewards, such as a a competitve salary and a generous annual leave allowance. But also in the intangible ways, as I am trusted to complete and carry out challenging tasks which the business sets me, if the business did not give me these tasks then they would not value me.

The structure of this higher apprenticeship programme is very well structured. All higher apprentices are set different 3 to 6 placements which they will carry out during the duration of their scheme. In addition to this there is a centralised Early Careers team that coordinates all Higher Apprentice activity such as external training providers.

I receive a large amount of support from my training provider Blackpool and the Flyde College. This includes support from the Higher Education Learning Mentors who are able to help you with assignments and ensure you deliver the best quality work, these are readily available and are very useful. There is also Library Helper would can support you in finding the best sources of information to use when you are researching for an assignment.

I receive a large amount of support from my employer which is readily available, this is from my manager when i have a full hour review with them every 12 weeks, my mentor who i meet every 8 weeks, my HR Rep who is availble to give me advice and the employee help programme which has a 24hr calline.

The salary I receive from BAE Systems is sufficient for the work i carry out and will increase 50% when I finish my apprenticeship scheme. The salary is comfortable as I the town in which I work and live has very low living costs however if I was to move to a different location it would not be sufficient.

There are many opportunities outside of work, one of the main ones which are readily availble is stretch assignment. These are activiites that the company runs for the local communities these include charity sporting events, STEM events and volunteering for charities that benefit the local community. This means you can give back to the community and support others.

Yes

BAE Systems is a fantastic place to work and provides and brilliant opportunity to young people strating their careers. This means that they can learn the new skills and techniques to start their career. In addtion to this there is an opportunity to develop yourself as a character, with organisation communication and networking skills.

In the interview process it is important to be yourself and speak positively about yourself and your experiences. Always provide examples to the questions that the interviewees ask you. In addition, it is important to be punctual and arrive on time. Finally it is important to do your research about the company and always ask questions.