Nuclear Degree Apprenticeship Review

On a day-to-day basis, I am involved in a wide range of activities depending on the placement. If the placement manager is effective (most often), I will be given a lot of productive work for development. However, if not, it would not be uncommon to have to continuously ask for work. The work ranges from desk work and software to hands on practical.

I have learnt lots of new skills on my apprenticeship. This ranges from business and communication skills, how to operate different types of engineering software as well as the basic computer skills such as advanced excel. I have learnt more hands on techniques also such a pipe fabrication and pipe fitting through shadowing.

I enjoy the apprenticeship programme which I am on. My degree links enough into my job role to be more than just learning. My apprenticeship programme gives me enough opportunity to see the business however my specific function is especially affective in managing where we are going and what we are doing.

The specific Nuclear Engineering Degree Apprenticeship is very effectively organised due to how our functional manager manages us. Other than that, there are a few issues with division of responsibilities between our array of managers themselves however this is something that is going to be developed. Overall, my scheme is managed well daily and overall through my placement managers and functional managers.

I receive a wide array of support from each of my managers. They each provide a different type of support however I feel like this is a good way to divide the scheme. Whenever there is a problem, ranging from work load, pay, holidays, the scheme as a whole, I have an appropriate point of call I feel comfortable discussing them with.

I receive enough support from my training provider concerning my qualifications. As all providers some teachers are superior to others however all teach the course to a satisfactory standard. I am given the correct learning resources, mock exams, time dedicated to assignments etc. to be effective when working alongside completing my degree.

My degree qualification helps with my work in the way that it outlines a lot of the safety and basic principles of nuclear engineering. It would be ineffective to ask for a degree specifically tailored to nuclear reactors on submarines however the degree is a great supplement. I would enjoy more hands on experience within my degree however.

Yes there are many social events to get involved with. These range from just in your teams, there are netball, football golf clubs specific to BAE and we also meet up as an early careers population at least twice a year in a professional networking event. There are also stretch activities to get involved with in the wider community.

Yes

As it is a good company for supporting and developing you. It has brilliant company incentives such as pension, shares, holiday allowances as well as commitment to develop you throughout your careers. Everyone is welcoming and ensures that you are having and making the most of your apprenticeship whilst you are in the scheme.

Focus on your application and make sure you have a wide variety of examples of each of your skills and competencies. Once you get in, don't expect to know everything when you start as the company is large with lots of acronyms and specifics compared to other engineering companies. Don't be afraid to ask questions as that is how you learn.