Technical Apprentice Review

BAE Systems provide a broad variety of work throughout the different departments in the business. Most of the work here at Brough is based around supporting the Hawk Aircraft and its many different customers around the world. On a day to day basis, I am given the responsibility to work as part of a team, communicating with customers and developing my skills with regard to the technical knowledge around aircraft.

Since starting at BAE Systems, my knowledge regarding aircraft and aircraft systems has vastly increased. During my first year of training at the Academy for Skills and Knowledge (ASK); I developed skills such as machining, fitting, fabrication and many other technical skills such as CAD. All these skills have become useful and supported me in my work back here at BAE Systems Brough.

Due to the vast range of work that I can get involved with here at BAE Systems, I enjoy the programme very much. Some departments around the business are better to work in than others due to the nature of the work they do. Overall, it is an enjoyable and interesting occupation and I look forward to coming to work and getting involved with all the different jobs.

The apprenticeship scheme is well-structured and the support is in place for us to achieve. [This section of the comment has been removed by a member of the RateMyApprenticeship Team because it did not meet our site terms and conditions] (our supervisor and trainer ) Does an excellent job of providing support to all the apprentices on a one to one basis and takes good care of the apprentices throughout the programme. Overall, the scheme allows the apprentices to identify their path to completing the apprenticeship.

Throughout the course of my apprenticeship, BAE Systems have supported me in achieving my qualifications and completing my NVQ work. BAE Systems have a high level of care for apprentices, creating an environment which sets apprentices up to achieve their full potential. If extra support is required, BAE Systems are willing to provide any necessary assistance to achieve.

HETA (training provider) provides support to allow me to achieve my HNC qualification. HETA provides us with all the necessary resources to achieve our HNC and most of the tutors provide the support we require. The HNC qualification is a demanding course and requires a high level of work to be put in by apprentices. HETA should do more to structure the HNC course as to spread the workload more appropriately so it is more manageable for apprentices.

From lessons such as Maths and Mechanical Science, what I have learnt has come in very useful in my day to day life at work and has helped me solve many tasks. Some of the lessons are more applicable to our work than others however they all provide useful skills which I shall require at some point throughout my career.

There are many opportunities here at BAE Systems to get involved with extra curricular activities. I am currently a registered STEM Ambassador and I frequently get involved with events at schools and colleges as well as helping out at the BAE Systems open evenings and recruitment events. There are many 5 a side teams and other sporting clubs that anyone can get involved with.

Yes

BAE Systems provide an excellent apprenticeship programme and potential to achieve excellent qualifications. the company as a whole is excellent to work for and employee care is second to none. The work is diverse across the business and there are many opportunities to travel and develop skills in an area of your interest.

When applying to BAE Systems it is important that you are passionate about engineering and willing to develop your skills. you must be confident and possess a level of professionalism, showing that you are willing to take on tasks and challenges regardless of their difficulty. it is important that you understand the background of the business and the history of the different aircraft that BAE Systems have played a part in creating in the past.