Degree Apprentice Review
at BAE Systems
Degree Apprenticeship
Engineering
Barrow-in-Furness
Review Submitted: April 2021
Overall Rating
3.2 /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
2/5
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Skills Development
3.4/5
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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 day-to-day work varies largely between different placements. Some placements involve regular engagement with the build however others are strictly office based with lots of time spent reading and reviewing documents. Most teams have meetings either daily or every other day to review progress towards on-going tasks. Some days are busy with back to back meetings whereas others are spent watching the clock and not doing a whole lot.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
2/5
My programme is enjoyable for the social aspect, I have made many friends in the business and this is largely echoed in the fact that many of the people that I went to school with now work in the business. Beyond that, the work is rarely enjoyable and most tasks feel like a chore to complete.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
2/5
Thus far in my apprenticeship my skills have not been stretched beyond what I had already gained through high school and sixth form. There have been no practical skills gained from my apprenticeship as it is largely office based. I use software that I would not have otherwise used, however, this is not at an in-depth skill level.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
3/5
My programme is very well structured - my placements are mapped out for the next 3 years and there are regular reviews to ensure that competencies are being reached throughout the whole programme. We have a workbook to document what we do in each of our placements and must update this after each placement.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
4/5
My employer offers lots of support particularly in terms of wellbeing and safeguarding. There is a clear emphasis on the importance of mental health and there are numerous people to turn to if you are ever struggling. The Employee Assistance Programme offers a range of support for both you and your immediate family.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
4/5
Blackpool and the fylde college provide lots of support when it comes to working towards our qualifications. They were very quick to adapt to online lectures when we were locked down back in march 2020. The college is very understanding whenever there are any concerns or queries regarding assignments or exam revision.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
3/5
The qualification I am studying towards is a Level 6 Nuclear Engineering degree. the knowledge gained is echoed in many roles within the nuclear engineering sector. Some modules learned in college are not inherently needed within regular day-to-day working yet the critical thinking/problem solving skills learned in these modules may prove useful.
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
since covid there have been no extra-curricular activities, however, in pre-covid times there were nights out with other apprentices from a range of functions and cohort groups. Additionally, some placement teams organise nights out for occasions like Christmas. There are limited extra-curricular activities outside of nights out - a few football teams but that's about it.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend BAE Systems to a friend?
Yes
Why?
BAE systems apprenticeships are a good option for school leavers who aren't particularly interested in completing a levels or going to university. For college students, BAE systems is an easier way to achieve a degree vs going to university, with the benefit of getting paid while studying. However, if you are looking to be stretched to your true capabilities, don't come here
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to BAE Systems?
Take time when writing your application - ensure it showcases examples within your answer to each question and link it back to why you are the best candidate. If you get to the interview stage, practice answering generic interview questions out-loud to someone you aren't totally comfortable around - i.e. not with your parents as this will mimic a real interview scenario.
