Mechanical Designer Review
at BAE Systems
Higher Level Apprenticeship
Engineering
Barrow-in-Furness
Review Submitted: September 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!
5/5
-
Overview of Role
5/5
-
Skills Development
4.2/5
-
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
Within the role as a Designer, we deal with Engineering Drawings and Concepts. Every day can be different, although some the same dependent on the project you are working on. Since joining the business, I have been given high quality training, which has enabled me to quickly develop a skillset for the job. Sometimes we can be doing 9 hours of training for 3 days, however that could be an equivalent to a year or so in college terms if only done for an hour a week, meaning the business is keen to get you into the work and give you pieces of work to get your teeth into, meaning you are never bored!
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
5/5
I really enjoy my programme within the business as I have an excellent team who really care about your career and your wellbeing too. My team have been so welcoming since day one, and on hand to help, ask any questions to and develop positive working relationships with.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
5/5
Yes, I have developed better communication and social skills, as I feel this job has taught me more about myself than before I joined the business, I have came out of my shell more, gained confidence and it is good to be in a role and with a company where you feel happy to wake up and come to work every morning without any anxiety. I feel valued here and the team have made me feel so welcome.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
5/5
We are kept involved with events, training, meetings, and appointments and management keep in regular contact regarding our wellbeing and satisfaction on the programme.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
5/5
My employer has allocated us Skills Coaches, who are on hand to help us and are involved with our safeguarding. We also have discipline leads who have regular check-ins with the groups every week or so, as well as supportive team leaders and line managers. We have a company occupational health service with allocated doctors/nurses, a first aiding training scheme and an Employee Assistance Helpline which is available 24/7.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
2/5
I didn't really find our provider very supportive when completing our Level 3 Qualification, it was very unorganized and arguing occurred between departments. However, our department Technical Engineering were fantastic and supported me the entire way with any issues I had but I felt that pastoral care mannerisms of staff were poor from the college itself.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
5/5
The content of the qualification is completely relevant to our role and all topics covered such as Engineering Materials and Drawing assist you in the development of skills.
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
Yes, you can become a STEM Ambassador and participate in beach cleans.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend BAE Systems to a friend?
Yes
Why?
BAE Systems is a very supportive, professional and proud company to work for. They care about ethics, morals, diversity and often showcase this in regular events both online and in reality. I really enjoy working here as I have a brilliant team and am surrounded by helpful and friendly people.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to BAE Systems?
Ensure you inform your discipline leads of the discipline you would prefer when starting with the business, as this can impact the final decision of which one you are placed in if they know you wanted a certain one from the start.
