Software Engineer Review

Day to day working on projects which involves a lot of teamwork and communication. Current work will be used on future projects also, which makes it interesting, knowing something I have produced will be used on something genuine. When it's not placement work there's lots of other stuff you can do, such as stretch objectives and an NVQ. Stretch objectives are used to push our knowledge and understanding, and allows for teamwork to produce something.

Learnt a variety of new skills, from team building and communication skills to learning lots of new programming languages and software, which can then be applied in later life depending on what teams I get involved with. Learnt to be more confident in the way I speak to people and larger audiences, and furthermore have become more professional and understand the workplace better.

So far, having only being here since September, the overall experience has been really good. The transition from college to work was a big step but it's been seamless so far and everyone here has offered support when needed. There's lots of work you can get stuck into, some little things, and others much larger projects which will be used on actual hardware. There's lots of great opportunities too, such as several courses, outward bound and also just working with others to achieve a goal, and so overall the experience has been most definitely very enjoyable.

I feel very valued by BAE, by not just the company but on a more personal level too. In my current placement, I feel very valued as they treat me like a member of the team and will give me work that will eventually be used on real life things, so they have trust in me to do so. We also converse and work as a team to get through tasks, and when working with other teams too, they value your ideas and personal opinions. I've also had opportunities to go to recruitment fairs and do talks at some colleges about BAE, and this has helped to improve my confidence. It shows that they care about our reputation and will happily let one of us do the talking to explain our experiences and ideas and so it makes me feel valued.

The overall program is well structured throughout the course that I'm going to take. I know exactly what I'll be doing, in both work and university and so the overall foundation of the apprenticeship is really good. The induction that I had at the start was very informative and gave an outline as to exactly what was going to happen over the coming months and how to settle in etc. For two days a week I study at university, and the course I am currently taking has been adapted to suit the needs of BAE and yet is still very well structured and offers a lot of value information; at the end of it I also get a degree and end up with no debt.

The company offers vast amounts of support, if there's ever a problem with anything there's always someone on hand to talk to, whether that being your line manager, or then even the dedicated safeguarding officer, or then either the head of the apprenticeship. Within University there's also a lot of support, if you ever have a problem with something the tutor for each module is always there to help. Furthermore they provide drop in sessions for anyone who is struggling, to provide extra tuition to those who need it. The general attitude for those who help is overwhelmingly positive. They only want you to do your best and so will provide any help and support that you may need.

Again, when working in a placement your line manager will provide a lot of help and guidance with both your work and then just perhaps settling in and with any problems that may arise. The HR department is also very good and more often than not will resolve problems you have relatively quickly, but as it is such a large company sometimes it may take a little while. However, more often than not if you speak to your manager or the head of the apprenticeship they can resolve most of your problems.

The salary that I get is very good in my opinion and rivals the top paying apprenticeships in the country. The salary can go a long way. Although I am not personally living away from home, a lot of the other apprentices are currently doing so and are coping fine with it, and so the wage compared to living costs is very good. Depending on where you live, the travel costs do vary, for me I live about 30-40 minutes away so there is an obvious cost for fuel which was expected, but when travelling elsewhere on a course for say, the company can offer you money back on petrol for going the additional distance, which is helpful. Daily costs for me are low, the food on site is well priced and always good, but I always choose to make my own just to save that bit extra. The location of the apprenticeship is dependent on your placement, currently situation at Warton, it's not too far away from Preston, but the prices are also low around here.

Included in the apprenticeship, you get to go to university 2 days a week ( on the Apprenticeship I'm on ), and so you get to experience University, but also get paid for it. There are also lots of other things going on outside, like team days out and meet-ups etc. Furthermore there are also careers events and many other opportunities to volunteer for the company, but it doesn't go unheard as if you do extra you are rewarded with flexi time, which allows you to essentially choose your own hours at work. On site there is also a gym, which I don't personally use as I have a membership elsewhere but I know a lot of people do use it and it's very good. There are also lots of benefits from working here, such as discounts for lots of places which helps to save money.

Yes

It's a great company to work for, and if you're interested in things such as Business, Computing and Engineering it's an incredible opportunity to work here. It offers you training, a degree and a lot of experience in the workplace which is invaluable! The salary is highly competitive, and allows for you to experience many things which most students may not be able to do. Furthermore it's pretty much a guaranteed job for like once you complete the apprenticeship and it has a lot of benefits.

With the application process, just take your time when doing the tests and don't rush any of the answers, and also make sure you pack a lot in your CV when applying. As for interviews, just try and stay calm when you're there and again take your time. You will be greeted by some of the other apprentices who have been in the same position so don't worry about it.