Sheet Metal Worker Review
at BAE Systems
Level 3 Apprenticeship
Engineering
Barrow-in-Furness
Review Submitted: March 2022
Overall Rating
3.3 /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!
3/5
-
Overview of Role
4/5
-
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
I believe the overall apprenticeship is worthwhile and gives me the required lessons and knowledge I need to pass my course. However I think that there are some lessons that might not be as important as others and I believe the time allocation could be better for said lessons as it’d show more benefits having more time on related lessons.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
3/5
I enjoy the programme a lot, there are many benefits to taking this course and I believe it’s a programme that will allow me to keep these skills for a lifetime. It’s also a foot in the door to the manufacturing and engineering world. I do believe some lessons could be better organised however.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
4/5
I’ve learnt how to do quite a few different skills across my lessons. These have been learning how to use Computer Aided Design, how to work around the sheet metal workshop, using different tools such as hacksaws, files, hammers, mallets, scribes etc. and getting a general understanding of metal work that I’d work with on a day to day basis in the yard.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
3/5
I think that in the overall scheme the programme is quite organised however there are a few points and issues with it. These being some lessons feel like a filler, as there are only certain time slots for teachers for each class some lessons feel like they aren’t that beneficial to what we are doing for a job.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
2/5
I have personally received a lot of good support from my employer when talking about work and my own personal health. However I have had a lot of issues with pay and time allocated for holidays, I’ve been trying to get my payslips since the start of my course in September 2021. To no avail too, I just think they should be prioritising when asked for assistance with pay as there’s months where I’m missing a lot of money without reason or explanation.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
3/5
When working towards my qualifications I believe that I’m getting a lot of good assistance. Most tutors are able to support directly in the lessons, this helps a lot as it’s an instant source of support. Sometimes having to go to external can take a while but there is a high chance of support.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
3/5
I believe that the training providers we have are offering us a lot of internal help and that they try do whatever they can to support us. There are a few difficulties with it being some tutors aren’t exactly certain on questions due to them not being BAE employed but I believe it’s good.
Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)
2/5
I don’t believe that there are external extra curricular activities and groups that we can join, other than the ones offered within the behaviours calls on wednesday morning. Although this does not affect me directly I think that there could be some offers given to other students who would appreciate said things.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend BAE Systems to a friend?
Yes
Why?
I believe the company is always worth going for and it is a well respected one to work for too. I personally feel proud knowing I work for the company and I believe that it is moulding me for a good future and giving me great opportunities that other companies would not.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to BAE Systems?
I would prepare them for a change of work style when in the apprenticeship, this is because I personally have not done one before myself only worked full time. This is because going to college has a different style to working but I believe that it is needed to prepare us for the role.
