Designer Review
at BAE Systems
Level 3 Apprenticeship
Engineering
Barrow-in-Furness, UK
Review Submitted: April 2021
Overall Rating
2.9 /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!
2.5/5
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Overview of Role
3/5
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Skills Development
2.6/5
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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:
3/5
The role of a designer includes creating 2d and 3d models and drawings for BAE Systems submarines. This means using computer software's to be able to do this, as well as using print out drawings once complete. There are multiple different areas that designers specify in such as electrical.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
2/5
I enjoyed coming in as an apprentice as it gave me the chance to learn everything from the very beginning and learn as i went along. I enjoyed it up until we had to complete an 'EPA' and only got told about it months before completion rather than years. This caused a lot of stress as it was hard to get answers from the company who was providing the end point assessment therefore but a downer on the apprenticeship for me.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
3/5
My first year of the apprenticeship was at furness college where i learnt lots of new skills including maths, materials, health and safety and projects. These were then shown throughout my work in the workplace as maths and knowledge on materials etc is very useful day to day at work.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
1/5
Towards the end of the programme, not very organized at all. We were given the EPA months before completion rather than starting years before therefore there was some miscommunication somewhere along the line that this was forgotten about. This caused alot of rushing to complete on time, resulting in not even completing the exams on time for my completion date. I would say it was structured up until this point.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
3/5
I would say we always recieved support from the team and the employer regarding any issues we had. They did support alot during the EPA as they were trying to get answers and were as frustrated as we were. It was frustrating throughout the EPA as sometimes information was lost and misunderstood causing confusion but overall they were helpful.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
2/5
During my ND and HNC the college were helpful in giving any support that was needed. There were a few times where they could have given more support rather than just revision sheets, and sometimes expected us to know things we had never learnt. But overall, they were mostly helpful.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
4/5
The apprenticeship definitely helped with how i perfrom in my day to day job as a designer beacuse i have been able to learn all new skills from scratch and learn from different people as i go along. It gave me the chance to move round different teams and see different aspects of the boat.
Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)
3/5
I joined in with the STEM Ambassador scheme which allowed me to get involved with events at different schools and meet younger pupils and tell them about my job. It was good to improve m communication skills and engage with different people with similar interests to me. It was a good experience
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend BAE Systems to a friend?
Yes
Why?
It is a great business to be a part of, especially in Barrow In Furness as it is a company that gives the town some pride. It is amazing to be able to be involved in building submarines and just engineering in general. Especially women in engineering needs to become more of a known thing!
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to BAE Systems?
I would recommend coming in with an open mind as there is so many different opportunities and there may be something for you that you wouldnt have thought about. It is important to be proud of the work you are doing and show commitment to the work as it is an important business.
