Apprentice Calibration Technician Review

I'm currently in my 3rd year of my engineering apprenticeship at BAE Systems in Rochester. The first nine months of the apprenticeship were spent training offsite, before returning to site, and then spending the following year in 6-8 week placements gaining an understanding of the life-cycle of BAE System products. Since July 2017 I have been working in the Calibration department on site, helping me to further expand my knowledge and skill set in electronics. Some of my day-to-day roles include; - Performing Acceptance Test Procedures on a variety of equipment - Document generation (Various ATPs and calibration procedures) - Database use (Creating/updating records) - Fault identification (Using diagnostic techniques and equipment) - Fault rectification (Repairing to Class 3 industry standards - IPC/J-STD)

I've had the opportunity to take on my HNC for the next 2 years allowing me to expand my knowledge on both electronic and mechanical systems. I have been on several training courses since joining the company, hopefully with plenty more of these courses on the horizon.

Both the group of apprentices I started working with, and my current team make the job so much easier. You can have a laugh with them, but also have access to a vast amount of knowledge with the amount of engineers around you.

I do feel valued by the company, our efforts are always rewarded, whether this is a simple thank you from a manger high up, or a gift card.

We're given a weeks induction both at the very start of out programme, as well as when we come back on site nine months later. As apprentices, we have a huge amount of support from HR during our programme, but also from both colleges we attend, as well as all the departments we have the opportunities to work in.

Our tutors at college are always offering extra help when we need it, this could be for assignments that are due, or exams that are coming up - they'll even stay after hours if needed!

Within my current team, I have bi-weekly meetings with my mentor to discuss my progress, monthly meetings with my line manager, and 12 week reviews with HR. Everyone wants to make sure that I'm coping well, and that I have no problems working at BAE.

Now that we are in out 3rd year, our salary has increased enough to sufficiently cover my personal costs. At the start of the programme I did struggle a little initially, but after making adjustments to my lifestyle I was able to cope with this.

I was fortunate enough to be chosen to attend the National Apprentice Council with another apprentice from my year group. Every 6 weeks we travel to a different site to discuss various topics with other council members. Topics include; Health & Safety, Safeguarding, college placements/Higher Education, Diversity & Inclusion, and the quarterly newsletter. Often we get the opportunity to have tours allowing us to see what life is like on the other sites around the country. On top of this I am also an ambassador for the company, I help to Represent BAE Systems at various engineering events, both on and off site, to help encourage young adults and students to pursue careers in electronic engineering.

Yes

Overall I am very happy with my job at BAE, I enjoy the work, have a laugh with my colleagues, and always wake up ready to start the day.

Be yourself at the interviews, but also make sure to really impress the managers there - be confident.