Technical Apprentice Review

by BAE Systems

Best Apprenticeship Employer

Rating

8.6/10

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

I am a technical apprentice at my company and I work within our civil support centre. This involves the test and repair of flight controls and other associated electronic equipment. I also review fault logs, approve jobs for print and file assess for liability claims. I log my pratical tasks so that I can use them for evidence for my NVQ. As part of my role, I am often required to carry out rework on customer product.

10/10

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

Yes, I am still learning new things. I have learned how to solder and diagnose fault equipment with advanced fault finding techniques including thermal imaging and testing.

10/10

3. To what extent do you enjoy your programme?

I love my job and would recommend to friends. I enjoy the practical aspect with the chance to interact with our customers. I also enjoy the work/education balance that I would not have got from a university.

10/10

4. How valued do you feel by BAE Systems?

Very much so. They take care of our day to day needs as well as look out for our long term career progression through PDRs as well as our well being outside of work by having a lot of support on offer e.g. counselling services.

10/10

5. How well organised/structured is your programme?

Our programme is very structured and is followed by each year's intake of apprentices. We all attend college on day release and spend our 2nd and 3rd years in preogranised placements to get a better view of the company. All of this is logged in our apprentice manual which is review upon change of placement or once every 3 months.

10/10

6a. How much support do you receive from your training provider?

Our training provider, unfortunately has not been that supportive. Our employers have been in talks with them throughout the year to implement changes to better our experience.

4/10

6b. How much support do you receive from your employer?

We receive a lot of support from our employer in the form of NVQ reviews, 12 weekly reviews as well as having specific contacts for any issues that may arise. Any problems are resolved or looked into immediately.

10/10

7. How well does your salary/package meet your costs?

My salary is reasonable for an apprentice. However it does not allow me to live alone. However, we do get pay rises every 6 months which is slowly pushing us towards being able to be more independent.

5/10

8. Are there many opportunities outside of work?

Yes, there is a well being committee that organise trips and days out for employees and their families.

8/10

9. Would you recommend BAE Systems to a friend?

Yes

9b. Why?

Due to the structure of the programme and the support available. Also the qualifications that they sponsor you to do are a really good opportunity and are not offered in many places whilst being paid.

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

Do you research on the company and find out about the products that we make.