Engineering Higher Apprentice Review

by BAE Systems

Best Apprenticeship Employer

Rating

8.4/10

1. Please give an overview of your role and what this involves on a day-to-day basis:

Rotating placements across all areas of the business gaining a broad understanding and building a strong foundation in all of them.

9/10

2. Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?

I feel I am capable of taking on any job within the industry at entry level or above.

9/10

3. To what extent do you enjoy your programme?

I am infinitely happy I pursued this instead of going to university. It makes you a real gear in the working world.

9/10

4. How well organised/structured is your programme?

From my experience there could have been some improvements in the education side of the programme with inefficient tuition organisation and in general some slow bureaucracy. However the programme has shown it is capable of adapting

8/10

5. How much support do you receive from your employer?

Within the workplace support is sufficient with no particular area to criticise.

10/10

6. How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?

Support is sufficient, line managers keep close tabs on all apprentices without being overbearing.

9/10

7. How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?

The vocational is vastly different from the academic, requiring a completely different skillset. Certain aspects do translate such as tool, machine and software use. Far more is learned on the job than in the class room.

7/10

8. Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)

While it varies depending on the placement and site there are some facilities and activities available to employees. However they are limited and often restricted in interest (especially given pandemic circumstances)

6/10

9a. Would you recommend BAE Systems to a friend?

Yes

9b. Why?

In terms of finance, skills, education and career, an apprenticeship with BAE is the best possible route to take after college. It may not be as social as university if you consider that important but I would choose it again over an offer to Cambridge.

10. What tips or advice would you give to others applying to BAE Systems?

Don't stress over your qualifications. What you learn in the field will make the classroom seem a waste of time and the internet can teach the rest in a 5min YouTube clip. Depending on how much extra time you spend studying I have just saved you hundreds of hours of your life. You are welcome.