Higher Engineering Apprentice Review
at BAE Systems
Higher Level Apprenticeship
Engineering
Portsmouth
Review Submitted: March 2021
Overall Rating
4.3 /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
4/5
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Skills Development
3.8/5
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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
Daily tasks include checking emails, responding to engineering query's with solutions usually completed by going on board ship assessing the situation and contacting the relevant people for the correct information.
There is lots of responsibility within placements in addition to completing personal clocking's / timesheets and completing evidence reports and observations for the engineering standard.
Daily interactions Include talking to Placement managers, co workers, contractors, ships staff and external suppliers.
There are many different projects to work on across the business.
There is lots of responsibility within placements in addition to completing personal clocking's / timesheets and completing evidence reports and observations for the engineering standard.
Daily interactions Include talking to Placement managers, co workers, contractors, ships staff and external suppliers.
There are many different projects to work on across the business.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
4/5
The programme is very good and has lots of variety between placements to suit your working style and also to allow you to see where you would like to exit within the business. It also gives you lost of exposure to many different projects and placement managers.
The programme has defiantly met my expectations with the only slight issue being that I wish there was more placement opportunities to ensure you can go where you want to.
The programme has defiantly met my expectations with the only slight issue being that I wish there was more placement opportunities to ensure you can go where you want to.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
4/5
I have developed my communication skills whilst completing placements in addition to my business knowledge. Whilst studying for the HNC I have learnt and developed many skills including the use of time management. Furthermore I have developed my skills in CAD and other programmes.
I have completed many internal training courses and seminars to develop learning and safety whilst in the workplace and on board ship.
I have also attended seminars for mental health awareness for inside and outside of the workplace.
I have completed many internal training courses and seminars to develop learning and safety whilst in the workplace and on board ship.
I have also attended seminars for mental health awareness for inside and outside of the workplace.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
4/5
The programme has a very good induction week which includes many meetings and exercises to gain a very good understanding of the business and allow you to see what type of placements are available, furthermore all of the required PPE is distributed and all of the business wear is given out.
The training is well organised with a weeks training completed at some point after the induction week to gain the required health and safety qualifications.
The training is well organised with a weeks training completed at some point after the induction week to gain the required health and safety qualifications.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
4/5
There is lots of support whilst on the apprentice and all of the managers are very approachable so if the need arises you can always go and speak with them. I have not had to use the HR Team much as of yet. All placement managers are happy to help with any queries and give guidance where they can and will usually respond to emails quickly. Managers have a very good attitude and want to help you develop and learn.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
3/5
Generally the tutors are very good an will happily give lots of help however some tutors you have to ask for help as they may not see that you are struggling. All of the tutors will reply to emails regarding support and will usually be very helpful, with online learning you can also call the tutors to ask for help. Generally the tutors have a good attitude towards helping you will do their upmost to fulfil your requirements including providing lesson material and revision material.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
4/5
The HNC gives a very good engineering background of which to work from. this helps with knowing what is and isn't possible as you complete practical elements whilst on the course such as turning and milling. The use of CNC machines whilst completing the HNC also allows you to see what can be produced and what costs these processes incur. The classroom based learning is also very important as some placements require you do do calculation which are covered in the HNC.
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 many STEM voluntary events to get involved in whist being with the company including the schools in engineering challenge or the royal navy engineering challenge. There are many seminars that are put on to help personal development in addition to development in the workplace. These can include lots of information regarding mental health. The company also offers a cycle to work scheme to promote cycling and commuting by bicycle in addition to reducing the costs involved in doing this.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend BAE Systems to a friend?
Yes
Why?
The company is very good to work for, they pay well and have many incentive schemes such as cycle to work. They give a good amount of holiday and have areas in the business from maritime to air to land. There are many opportunities and many different projects to work on. The company has a very good share scheme and gives a very good pension scheme. The company also allows you to complete lots of training for personal development and also to ensure you work in a safe way.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to BAE Systems?
When applying to the apprenticeship ensure that you have a very good CV and that you also answer all of the questions to the best of your ability truthfully and having no spelling or grammar errors. You should ensure that you are qualified. Also research the company to see what work is undertaken and what projects the company has going on. You should also research the products the company makes to ensure you can answer any questions.
