Engineering Degree Apprentice Review
at BAE Systems
Degree Apprenticeship
Engineering
Barrow-in-Furness
Review Submitted: March 2022
Overall Rating
3.4 /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!
5/5
-
Overview of Role
4/5
-
Skills Development
2.4/5
-
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
Ensuring the the site is safe for people to use, legal and compliant with statutory regulations. Asset management for a specific area of site which allows for maintenance to be kept on top off which keeps the site operational and safe for the end user. Project support to ensure the projects are delivered in a timely manner but also with the correct documentation to make sure it is safe, legal and compliant.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
5/5
I very much enjoy the programme I am in, the team are great and supportive with plenty socialising outside of work. I appreciate that the end goal for myself in my role, and team as a whole, is to make the people on our site safer whilst at work. I also like the hybrid working arrangements we follow.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
4/5
Learnt a vast amount about site engineering and many safety regulations and why these are so important. Understanding the maintenance schedules and why these are in place. Communication skills have progressed massively due to interacting with a vast range of people in many different role and varying backgrounds. Developed asset management skills to help the sites maintenance schedules.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
3/5
The induction we received was very good, but could be perceived as too long at 3 months overall, 6 weeks would be sufficient. The role I am in itself is well structured and organised however, the degree and apprenticeship standard side which is organised by early careers could benefit from more guidance and structure to it.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
3/5
I have a manager for my role and a manager from early careers. I receive plenty support on a regular basis from my manager within my role. However from early careers it can be a bit more challenging, sometimes it's very difficult to contact this manager and can become frustrating when they are the only person who can change information on systems.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
1/5
The education side of the apprenticeship has been very poor this year. With multiple tutors leaving within a very short period of time and then replacement tutors not being sourced in a timely manner or in some cases not at all, this has made it very challenging. Due to this very little support has been received over a number of modules.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
1/5
There has only been a number of times when I have actually been able to relate any of my education to my job role. Some modules I have completed for the HNC and/or degree and then never used this knowledge at all. However it is good to have the appreciation of wider engineering.
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 is plenty weekend social activities to get involved with, ranging from nights out to football evenings and climbing days. The company also is very involved with STEM and there is always plenty opportunities to get involved with, which tend to be mostly school related with a range of online and in person events.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend BAE Systems to a friend?
Yes
Why?
The amount of opportunities within the business is massive, its unlikely that there isn't going to be a department with a role which would suit your interests and needs. The pay is also a big factor as there isn't many apprenticeships which pay as well as the ones on offer from the business.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to BAE Systems?
Do your own research, know the company as well as you can and make sure you display that within the interview. Make sure you have your online application forms checked by multiple people and improve them as much as possible. Ensure you get your head down so you get the minimum qualifications required.
