Project Management Apprentice Review
at BAE Systems
Degree Apprenticeship
Business Operations, Engineering
Christchurch, Dorset
Review Submitted: April 2021
Overall Rating
4.6 /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!
4.5/5
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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:
5/5
Learning the role and the function, including how it fits into the wider business and sector. Interacting with the UK Customer, and European organisation, whether approaching current contracts, or instigating re-bids for these. The contracts themselves are very complicated and detailed, requiring a thorough understanding before my role is able to fully offer support. This is challenging, but rewarding.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
4/5
The team has experience of developing apprentices which means that the programme has been set up to run smoothly, and my role is valued. The challenge of working from home as a new employee to the business is understood, and support has been offered to those who need it. The level of working required of me is higher than previous roles I have had, which I enjoy, as I feel I am being stretched.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
5/5
The skills I have brought with me and developed are organisation and time management, and my confidence in communicating has served me well so far. Working and studying from home has been a challenge, but allowed me to learn and apply new knowledge at the same time and gain experience that traditional study routes do not offer.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
4/5
This is a well established programme within the business, so the support and expectations are clear. The early careers team understand precisely what is required of all of the apprentices and have done their best to ensure that the induction, although distance, fully integrated the new apprentices into the business.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
5/5
I receive plenty of support, both in terms of work, college, and home life. There is an occupational health programme we may take advantage of, and we are encouraged to network to avail ourselves of future opportunities and directions for our careers. The links with the college are good too, ensuring we can approach either organisation for help with the other.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
3/5
Having taken advantage of the support system in place at college, I do feel that they could have done better. The process for applying for a deadline extension was not quick enough, which meant that I was forced into a stressful position and my return to study after a break did not feel smooth and supported.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
5/5
The role is built entirely around the qualification, which means the two are well-matched and fully integrated. As well as learning through college, there is a learning platform available on our organisation's intranet which means the learning from college, which is very general, can be understood in a company-specific environment.
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
Due to current restrictions, there has not been, but I do understand that this is encouraged under normal circumstances. The apprentices are encouraged to meet often with one another, and a team-building, outdoor pursuits event has been pencilled in for later in the year. There are also employee-interest groups available.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend BAE Systems to a friend?
Yes
Why?
They are a large, global organisation, with the resources and standing to develop their employees and make significant changes worldwide. The roles available are designed to be challenging, due to the importance of the work they do within their industry, but the employees are rewarded for their contribution and commitment.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to BAE Systems?
Take the time to ensure that the application and work you submit is of the highest standard possible, and have patience. Ensure you are clear in your communication and take the time to have a good understanding of, or interesting questions ready about, the business, the industry and the role.
