Complex Systems and Support Apprentice Review
at BAE Systems
Level 3 Apprenticeship
Engineering
Barrow-in-Furness
Review Submitted: April 2021
Overall Rating
4.8 /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
4.8/5
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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 are dependent upon which placement is currently being undertaken, However, regardless of the placement you are always kept busy. This involves some lone working, working as part of a team and also interacting with others in phone-calls and meetings. Furthermore, there is also contact with other people whom are members of different organisations and companies.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
4/5
I have worked elsewhere before this apprenticeship. Previous roles include working at McDonalds and Aldi. This apprenticeship has been an ideal combination of development, study and workplace experience. I have thoroughly enjoyed the process of the apprenticeship so far, and am excited for the future. I believe the previous job roles have an impact in this knowledge of enjoyment as i know from previous experience how other job roles can be.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
4/5
I believe that i have continued to develop pre-existing skills such as communication skills, working as part of a team, lone working, setting myself checkpoints and deadlines with my work etc. In addition, this is my first role within the engineering sector so i believe tha apprenticeship has greatly aided my progress into an engineer, tremendously increasing my knowledge and understanding.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
5/5
I believe that the structure of my programme is well balanced in order to achieve numerous targets simultaneously. I currently recieve one day day-release per week to attend the local college. I have already obtained the college aspect of the NVQ qualification, however the company has funded me to progress beyond that level and i am currently completing a Mechanical Engineering HNC qualification. In addition, the other 4 days per week are spent at my placements. The programme is designed so that i will complete 12 different placement during my apprenticeship, all within the office of which i will work in once my apprenticeship is complete. This gives me a holistic view of what the office does and how it achieves its goals as a function.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
5/5
The employer has supported me throughout the entire duration of my apprenticeship. The initial year of my apprenticeship was spent entirely at Furness College where i completed work towards my NVQ whilst also obtaining a ND in Technical Engineering (usually a 2-year course). These courses were paid for by the company whilst i was paid a wage to attend. I am now completing a HNC which is funded by the company and i have paid day-release to attend my lessons.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
5/5
The employer has supported me throughout the entire duration of my apprenticeship. The initial year of my apprenticeship was spent entirely at Furness College where i completed work towards my NVQ whilst also obtaining a ND in Technical Engineering (usually a 2-year course). These courses were paid for by the company whilst i was paid a wage to attend. I am now completing a HNC which is funded by the company and i have paid day-release to attend my lessons.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
4/5
I believe that the qualifications i am currently working on or have completed; ND Level 3 Technical Engineering, NVQ Level 3 Technical Engineering and HNC Mechanical Engineering, will help me progress and excel in the workplace in the future. However, the importance of workplace experiance is not to be underestimated.
Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)
5/5
I currently partake in a weekly football team for our office. I believe that this helps me to integrate effectively with other people within the office and build good social and working relationships with the individuals around me. This is positive not only for myself mentally and socially but also for the company as these positive relationships will aid positive teamwork.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend BAE Systems to a friend?
Yes
Why?
To my knowledge, there isn't another apprenticeship which not only pays for your education to higher levels such as HNC, whilst also obtaining a solid working wage. I am now 27 years old, which also therefore meant i was placed by the company on the national minimum wage for over 21s when i began the programme. This greatly aided me in the ability to leave a full-time working wage and begin this role. If the company only paid an apprenticeship wage, such a programme would simply not have been an option.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to BAE Systems?
I would offer the advice to apply for the company's apprenticeships as in my opinion they are great. I would tell people to be themselves and genuine at the interview process. The apprenticeship scheme that BAE provides all the additional tools neccessary for success, as long as the individual has a positive mentality and wishes to better themselves.
