CSS Engineering Degree Apprentice Review

As an apprentice, the job role changes every three to six months as you visit different areas of the business and try new things. Final year is based in the home department of your apprenticeship and you are taught more focussed skills relating to the job you will take on at the end of the scheme.

Being a degree apprentice, my mechanical engineering degree has been funded and supported by MBDA but within work I have learned more than I have at uni. MBDA are great at ensuring all your time as an apprentice you are learning new skills and developing existing ones.

The work placements are great, MBDA have a very supportive philosophy regarding apprentices and I have never felt bored or stuck. There is also a strong apprentice network within MBDA and lots of social events. Uni can be the opposite sometimes, with apprentices occasionally put on the back-burner compared to full-time student although this has improved.

From MBDAs side, the structure is excellent and well managed. They are experienced with apprentices and have structured the apprenticeship in an engaging and thoughtful way where most parts of the business are seen by every apprentice. Uni in comparison seems less well organised with apprentices but again this has greatly improved over the four years.

This is one of the best parts of working at MBDA, not only is the HR team very supportive and will communicate any issues to the training provider but each apprentice has a coordinator who looks after them for the whole scheme. Placement managers are usually great too and willing to support any work at all during the placement.

This has improved a lot since I started although it can sometimes feel apprentices are the lowest priority for the university. This year, an apprentice manager was integrated into the university team and this has helped greatly. Lecturers always reply to emails but sometimes it can be hard to catch office hours as they are usually during work time.

Some modules have been very helpful in performing roles within the business such as learning how to use software such as MATLAB and CAD packages. Some theoretical modules have also helped in more technical placements. Overall, the degree is very useful but it could perhaps use some fine tuning to include a more diverse range of topics.

There are always events taking place through the sports and socials club, various networks within MBDA also hold their own socials such as the apprentices who have organised Christmas parties in previous years. MBDA also holds official ECP only events such as the summer balls and graduation party.

Yes

I feel MBDA has supported me and given me the best possible start in my career. I have had travel, networking, technical training and feel confident in my abilities. In comparison to other schemes, MBDA puts more trust in their apprentices and are always pushing you to succeed. I do not regret anything about the scheme and have made friends for life through it.

Be confident in yourself and just got for it, MBDA doesnt look for people based solely on their academic performance but also if you will fit in with the culture. MBDA is a really positive place to work so dont be afraid to be yourself.