Metallurgy Higher Apprentice Review

Metallurgy Higher Apprentice, My daily tasks include relevant engineering tasks within the metallurgy department and other related material departments, due to the nature of the business I cannot talk about specific tasks carried out. I often am a part of a stretch assignment team, which is a team of other apprentices carrying out stretch assignments which are dictated by the early careers team, e.g. A stretch assignment I have worked on is helping run a 'Top of the Form' quiz tournament which is held between all of the local schools in the Furness area.

I have gained a HNC in mechanical engineering, and I am attending university in September 2018 to gain a degree in materials engineering. I am regularly enrolled onto internal and external training courses, to ensure my knowledge is kept up to date and that I am learning relevant skills for my role. My day to day tasks include me regularly using machinery and equipment within the materials department, therefore it is important that I am trained regularly on the equipment to prevent accidents and injuries.

I find the apprenticeship I am on very rewarding, due to the nature of the business; working on building nuclear submarines is very gratifying. The culture and teams within the company have been very welcoming and a joy to work with. Everyone in the company is working towards a common goal, so there is always a common understanding on the work being undertaken. The overall apprenticeship has definitely met my expectations.

I feel very well valued at BAE Systems and my managers. I recently won EEF Manufacturing national higher apprentice of the year, which my line manager put me forward for. There is also annual and monthly reward schemes in place for apprentices who deserve the recognition. The longer I work here, the more responsibility I am given with tasks, as my experience grows.

I believe the higher apprenticeship scheme is well structured, the placement and apprenticeship plan which was drafted on my arrival has been useful. The day release to college has been well organized and doesn't hinder my learning experience both in the office and at college. All engineering apprentices are given a charter ship mentor to help guide us through charter ship and ensure we are correctly recording our competencies.

Depending on the tutor the personal support varies, mostly good but it can also be lacking on some occasions. However if they are kindly asked they are usually more than happy to help and have a good attitude towards the support. The issues have always been raised and dealt with appropriately which is good.

There is a lot of support from my employer, I can take up issues with early careers, the engineering department and within the materials engineering department, so there is usually always someone who can support me and answer any queries I have. If needed, buddies and mentors can be put in place to guide you through your apprenticeship and be a close point of contact for any issues you have.

The apprentice salary is competitive when compared to other companies, it also includes and annual uplift of £2500 every year of the apprenticeship. Barrow is quite a cheap area to live in when compared to the rest of the country, the travel; social and housing costs are relatively cheap. Information on housing and locational activities can be found through the companies intranet.

There is quite often internal company events that are held outside of work hours e.g. charity football competitions. The local area has many sports and leisure clubs to get involved in, however I do believe these could be promoted more within BAE, via the internal communications. When I'm not working I attend a local gym and play football with other fellow colleagues on a Wednesday at the local AstroTurf pitch.

Yes

I thoroughly enjoy the apprenticeship scheme and I believe earning a salary, whilst gaining work experience and relevant qualifications is great. the company, culture and the people who work here are very welcoming and all issues I have had (even though few) have been dealt with quickly. The local town is a great place to live, especially if you enjoy the sea and various watersports.

The application process is nothing to worry about, the assessment center was straight forward and the staff on the day are very welcoming. During on boarding, make sure you use your buddy and ask as many questions as possible, as you do not want to be worried when turning up on your first day. I would suggest taking all the opportunities BAE has to offer, there is an extensive range of training courses and activities on offer, and they will all be beneficial to your personal and professional development.