Mechanical Engineering Higher Apprentice Review
at BAE Systems
Higher Level Apprenticeship
Engineering
Portsmouth
Review Submitted: February 2021
Overall Rating
4.4 /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
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Overview of Role
5/5
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Skills Development
4.2/5
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Structure and Support
Overview of Role
Please give an overview of your role and what this involves on a day-to-day basis:
4/5
This apprenticeship rotates your job role every 3-4 months so you get to try a verity of engineering within the company. So far I have worked as assistant project engineer manager, Mechanical Design Engineer and Electrical Design Engineer.
There are always lots of new and interesting opportunities.
There are always lots of new and interesting opportunities.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
4/5
The program is very interesting and fun but as with every apprenticeship working and learning at the same time can be stressful especially when there are a lot of assignments due. The educational program is interesting and relevant to the work and the work is always new and engaging.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
5/5
Yes. Whenever I start a new placement I undergo training from that sector. Naming some of the skills I have gained, extensive knowledge about use of design programs such as NX and AutoCAD inventor and experience the design and maintenance process.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
4/5
The program is very well organised with a lot of support from the apprenticeship team. Although there are always issues encountered when considering the current pandemic, this has been overcome which is a testament to the team. Every 12 weeks there is a review of your progress and you can raise any concerns you might have (although of course concerns can be raised sooner if necessary).
How much support do you receive from your employer?
5/5
The company is very supportive, they have a wellbeing group which they use to promote healthy metal and physical life styles and habits for there early careers employees. Also they have been very supportive with my learning disability (dyslexia) holding meetings with me to establish if there are any changes which can be made to my working environment to help me work at my optimum.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
4/5
Our training provider is very helpful with reminding us when deadlines are due and providing us with additional information to be able to get the most from our training and qualifications. People are friendly and always happy to explain things in further details if questions are asked.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
4/5
The training is relevant to my role and gives you a broad knowledge of engineering in relation to both mechanical and electrical engineering. This general knowledge helps give you a base understanding to build upon when engineering terms & practices are used at work.
Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)
4/5
There are a lot of Early Career events that you can take part in such as building a remote control boat or helping to run a similar event for school children. Unfortunately due to the Coronavirus Pandemic I have been personally been able to partake in these but they are available.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend BAE Systems to a friend?
Yes
Why?
They are a very supportive company who care about there employees. They will help you grow as a professional and support you with your education as you climb the ladder. They also have a lot of different and interesting career opportunities. The work is very interesting and engaging.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to BAE Systems?
Research the company prior to the application, attended a careers event if possible. Make sure to ask a lot of relevant questions to show that you are interested and be yourself.
