Engineering Technician Review

First year apprentices spend Monday - Wednesday carrying out workshop based learning such as electrical, fitting, hanger training etc and have college based learning on a Thursday along with assignments to complete.

I have developed my maths skills greatly since the apprenticeship has begun. Other skills have also been gained or developed such as learning fitting techniques, how to wire electrical components and understanding of engineering symbols.

So far I have greatly enjoyed the program and the new people that I work with. The program can be challenging at times and some part are definitely more enjoyable than others but am glad to be participating.

The program has had to be altered and adapt to a lot of changes and delays or unforeseen events but over all isn't poorly organised but wasn't also greatly organised.

The company is exceptional with supporting their employees and apprentices and would be very difficult to improve upon.

The training providers work very closely with the employer and have huge access to support tools, the educators have a lot of experience and are always willing to help.

This is only the first year of my apprenticeship but I feel that the knowledge and experience we are been taught covers a wide variety of crucial engineering disciples to give a spectrum of knowledge to prepare us for the workplace.

Their is a trip to a site called Outward bounds which involves team tasks, outdoor activities and camping which is specifically made to invoke team togetherness and conversation to work together. This is for the first year apprentices and lasts about a week.

Yes

Excellent work opportunities, excellent quality of training and education and good pay.

Have a genuine interest in aviation / military and engineering. Research the company and ensure that you are comfortable with maths and engineering based work both theoretical and practical based. The application process has many stages and hoops to jump through but if you are a person who is willing, social and a team player that can demonstrate a attention to detail and a willingness to learn and improve it wont be difficult. BAE has a lot of applicants (more than 1000 each year) and usually only around 8% or less are accepted based on intake numbers so be prepared to prepare and put your best foot forward. And don't be worried if you are older than most apprentices as I joined 7 years after leaving school and many of my coworkers are 18 or older.