Machinist Review
at BAE Systems
Level 3 Apprenticeship
Engineering
Preston
Review Submitted: March 2022
Overall Rating
4 /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
3.6/5
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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:
4/5
In the 2nd and 3rd year of this apprenticeship I am given a role to work under a fully qualified skilled machinist who helps and guides me when completing the manufacturing processes. Once confident i am left to run the machine by myself with the operator there for any help i might need.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
4/5
When on section I enjoy meeting new people and learning new skills so that I become a more skilled employee. Personally I find engineering very enjoyable, so when I get to plan a task or manually operate a machine it's always fun. Another part of the apprenticeship I enjoy is spending time with other like-minded apprentices.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
4/5
This apprenticeship has taught me any new skills, especially in the first year, i learnt how to use new hand tools, how to operate machinery, how businesses continually improve to stay competitive, even how to make 3D models and rapid prototyping. After the first year I still gained lots of knoledge on the specific job role i was in.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
3/5
the structure of the apprenticeship has been clear from the start with set objectives and a clear 'to-do list', I know what needs to be done in order to finish my apprenticeship, whee this program lacks is in the communication of specific dates and clear directions on what is happening regarding changing placements.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
5/5
During my apprenticeship I have had good support from my assessor, with clear set objectives and regular catchup meetings to check progress and general wellbeing. Support from my assessor also covers the FE side of things where you have to complete write-ups on jobs and knoledge questions which are important to completing the apprenticeship.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
2/5
When doing FE work with college the amount of support that is provided is very limited, with emails taking a while to be answered, or unclear instructions. Although some specific teachers have done very well. The college provider has changed so im not sure if these issues are still present.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
4/5
some subjects that we have studied have definitively given me a better understanding of how I am working and why some things are like they are, learning materials, health and safety and the principals of engineering are all very important and useful subjects to have studied. all of the college subjects have real-world applications in the workplace.
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
There are different extracurricular activities that are available through the apprenticeship, from being a STEM ambassador to competing in charity football events, there are even chances to apply for a chairman's award which is very prestigious. During the first year there is an outward bound trip where apprentices are put into groups and learn the importance of teamwork and the correct outlook on work.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend BAE Systems to a friend?
Yes
Why?
Working at BAE has been a very intresting and enjoyable experience, learning new skills, meeting new people, getting a qualification all while being payed competitively. working at such a large and successful company has a feeling of prestige, I am definitely proud to be an employee at BAE systems AIR.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to BAE Systems?
When in the application process be yourself and show promise of being an active and valuable asset to the comely both though physical dexterity or skill and knoledge and understanding on engineering and manufacturing. Knowing the mission statement and motto for the business is also a big key feature they look for.
