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BAE Systems

Manufacturing IP Review

at BAE Systems

Placement (10 Months+)

Manufacturing

Rochester

Review Submitted: May 2025

Overall Rating

4.1 /5

The Overall Rating is the average of all the ratings given in each category. We take those individual ratings and combine them into one final score!

4/5 - Overview of Role
4.3/5 - Skills Development
4/5 - Support and Guidance
4/5 - Company Culture
4.5/5 - Overall Experience
4/5 - Future Career Prospects

Overview of Role

Please give an overview of your role and what this involves on a day-to-day basis.
Supporting the production of appropriate department documentation, such as planning documents and training material.
Liaising with other technical departments (i.e technicians, machine shop, new product introduction) to resolve manufacturing challenges or for planning purposes.
Responsible for developing innovative process solutions for implementing continuous improvement.
Day to day support of our manufacturing cells including continuous improvement of cell layouts.
Understanding the importance of a Quality first mindset and some of the Quality tools we use (i.e auditing, non-conformance, concessions).
Running and managing the 3D Printer to deliver tooling and prototypes using additive manufacturing.
Were you given much responsibility during your placement / internship?
I have had many opportunities to take part in a large variety of different jobs for different projects. This has allowed me to gain a good understanding of the diverse roles and responsibilities that fall within the manufacturing engineering function, while gaining competencies in a variety of skills. I feel I have learnt a lot about a lot because of these opportunities.
During my placement I have been well supported by mentors to the point where there has always been someone to help me when I run into problems or want to seek further guidance. Through this support I feel I have learnt from the best and the members of my team are knowledgeable, friendly, and always happy to help which has made developing technical skills very accessible.
However I do not feel I have been ‘coddled’, I am left to manage my own workload and progress with tasks, only receiving help when I ask for it. This has allowed me to take responsibility and become accountable for the work that I do while giving me the chance to practice and become more confidant in the technical skills I am learning.
Please rate how meaningful the work you were doing was
4/5

Skills Development

Have you learnt any new skills, or developed your existing skills?
Using software like GrabCAD, Creo Parametric, Windchill PDM, and TeamCentre PDM
Producing planning
CAD Modelling / Engineering drawing
Data analysis
Understanding technical documentation
Research and innovation
Running the 3D Printer
Communication
Confidence
Time management
Team working
Organising my workload
How would you rate the training provided during your experience?
4/5
How would you rate your development of industry-specific skills during the experience?
5/5
How would you rate your development of personal / soft skills during the experience?
4/5
Please rate how these skills have helped you in your career development
4/5

Support and Guidance

How much support and guidance did you receive during your placement / internship?
During my placement I have been well supported by mentors to the point where there has always been someone to help me when I run into problems or want to seek further guidance. Through this support I feel I have learnt from the best and the members of my team are knowledgeable, friendly, and always happy to help which has made developing technical skills very accessible.
However I do not feel I have been ‘coddled’, I am left to manage my own workload and progress with tasks, only receiving help when I ask for it. This has allowed me to take responsibility and become accountable for the work that I do while giving me the chance to practice and become more confidant in the technical skills I am learning.
How would you rate the support and guidance from your line manager?
3/5
How would you rate the support and guidance from the wider team?
5/5

Company Culture

What was the company culture and general atmosphere like?
A good culture with employee reward schemes and opportunities to nominate peers for recognition. Employee resource groups in gender equality, disability support, ethnic diversity, and many more.
How would you rate the inclusiveness of the culture?
4/5
How would you rate the social opportunities?
4/5
How would you rate the diversity initiatives?
4/5
How would you rate the charity, sustainability and corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives?
4/5

Overall Experience

To what extent did you enjoy your placement / internship?
Having the chance to put what I have learnt at university into practice in a real world environment and learning invaluable technical skills like creating planning, engineering drawing, data analysis, researching, and running a 3D printer.
Existing in a working environment has given me the chance to learn and practice soft skills like time management, office etiquette, team work, planning and organisation, and communication
I’ve had the chance to network with graduates who have just finished university and are participation in an early careers scheme. They offed advice about university, starting work, finding jobs, moving to a new area, and dissertation topics. They were friendly and gave me tips to help with day to day work.
Experiencing work, seeing one possible industry/role, and networking with people has given me a better understanding of what options I have after I graduate, the sort of work I enjoyed, and what I want to explore further.
I have gained skills and experience that will give me a competitive edge over other graduates who haven’t participated in an industrial placement.
Please rate your level of enjoyment on your placement / internship
4/5
Please rate how your experience met your expectations
5/5

Future Career Prospects

Please rate the future employment prospects at BAE Systems
4/5

Recommendations & Advice

Would you recommend BAE Systems to a friend?
Yes
What advice would you give to others applying to BAE Systems
You won't be "spoon fed" the people around you are more than happy to help but you need to take initiative. You will get more out of the experience if you are proactive. Take every opportunity to network.
In This Review
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