Software Engineering Apprentice Review

I am a Software Engineering apprentice. My daily tasks vary, depending on the placement I am currently in, which changes (to a different area of software) every 8 months to allow me to get a wide view of the different sections across the company. In one placement, I may be heavily involved in the rapid production of software. In another, I may be testing current systems and producing test reports to inform other employees of project progress. It all varies! During university term time, I will be studying at UCLan 2 days a week, with the other 3 days being spent in work.

I am currently studying towards completing my degree at UCLan in Software Engineering. The degree is completely funded by the company which is a massive bonus. I have also been on a number of training courses with BAE Systems, such as lean learning, outward bounds, as well as many other internal training courses. During my short time with the company, I have developed an endless number of important skills which will benefit me throughout my career.

As previously mentioned, my job role changes every 8 months and this can be quite difficult but also exciting if i have not necessarily liked the current job role too much! On the whole, I love being at work. Sometimes, certain teams can be more interesting than others, but that is expected. I look forward to coming to work because it is so interesting, with a countless number of cool gadgets to used on a day-to-day basis, which I wouldn't get working for another company.

BAE Systems certainly care for their apprentices. We are the future of the company, therefore it is in their best interest to keep us here! I have been lucky enough to have been part of the apprentice awards this year - which in itself is enough to say that BAE Systems definitely value their apprentices. Also, the work we do is all meaningful. There is not one placement I have had yet that has given me work which isn't going to be used towards contracts/ aircraft software. This really makes me feel valued, that I am actually making a difference towards the company.

Due to the fact that my year was the very first year that the Engineering Degree was introduced to the company, there have been a few hiccups. However, taking into consideration that we are the first year, these problems have been promptly fixed. We have daily contact with line managers, with 2 week reviews to track our progress. We also have 12 week reviews with a software assessor to ensure we are on track with completion of our NVQ qualification. All-in-all it has been a very well worked out scheme.

UCLan have done a good job with providing my year with the tools we need to complete our degree. So far, I am half way through my second year, which is getting more difficult. I have been to see a few lecturers with problems who have been more than happy to help. I have no complaints. I can happily say that both my training provider and my employer have really looked after myself and other apprentices during our time here and i think the expectations have certainly been met.

BAE Systems are always very supportive. There is an ethics hotline that we can ring if we have any problems or worries, whether it be inside or outside of work. These can provide help with any issue, whether it be work related or personal. We also have a line manager to go to with problems, again, personal or work related. If we do not feel comfortable taking these problems to our line managers, we also have our software assessor who we can speak to, who is our safeguard contact. Finally, we all have a point of contact who we can speak to about mentoring us. He will provide us with advice depending on which career path we wish to take.

The salary is excellent. I have moved to Preston to work at BAE Systems, whilst still travelling home (80 miles) every weekend to be with my family. Preston is a nice place to live, especially for students, as I still have the chance to socialise and go out with other students from the university on my days off. I think that other apprentices don't realise how lucky they are to have our salary, although it seems low, BAE definitely pay more than the minimum wage for an apprenticeship and they definitely treat the apprentices like normal employees rather than 'young kids' type of thing too.

I have only been at BAE Systems for a year and a half. I have already had a number of exciting opportunities outside of work. I have been to RAF Coningsby for a course, I have been to London with a colleague to demonstrate some of the Virtual Reality (VR) software we had developed, held numerous exposure events for the VR software, as well as also attending a number of recruitment events for future engineering degree apprentices at BAE Systems. There is an apprentice football team which I am part of, as well as training on Wednesday nights with the Warton football team.

Yes

Fantastic salary - definitely higher than the national minimum apprenticeship wage. The training is absoloutly fantastic and we are definitely treat well and looked after by both the company and our training provider. The education - including the degree course is all free and paid for by the company which saved someone like me, tens of thousands! The company cares for each one of it's employees and member of staff and overall the company have great people working within their walls and it can seem like a big family sometimes.

Do their research into the company before applying and try to show this if you get to the interview stage. Show evidence of work done in/ outside of college which applies to software. Show evidence of being able to balance work with studies and a social life. Anything done outside of college/ school will be beneficial (such as Duke of Edinburgh etc.) Anything to do with teamwork. Prepare to ask the interviewers questions about the company. The interview process can seem lengthy but it is definitely worth it!