Project Management Degree Apprentice Review
at BAE Systems
Degree Apprenticeship
Business Operations, Marketing
Barrow-in-Furness
Review Submitted: March 2022
Overall Rating
3.6 /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!
3.5/5
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Overview of Role
3/5
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Skills Development
3.2/5
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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
My five year Apprenticeship consists of four placements which are all a year long, followed by an end point assessment. I attend University once a week, and make up the rest of my 5 day working week on placement within the business. I am involved in a number of different projects.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
4/5
I mostly enjoy my my programme, because it allows me to develop my skills whilst also getting paid a salary at the same time. I enjoy working alongside other apprentices on projects and during University sessions. I always feel supported by my placement team and also by the Early Careers team.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
3/5
I am currently studying towards a Level 6 Project Management Degree at the University of Cumbria. I am developing my Project Management skills on a daily basis. These include: communication, collaboration, initiative, teamwork, Maths, English and IT. I am constantly learning new skills and improving my knowledge at work and at University.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
4/5
My programme is well structured because I will rotate around 4 different areas of the business on year-long placements. This will allow me to gain an insight into various different areas of the business, so that I can find out where I enjoy working the most. My University day accounts for 1 out of 5 of my working days.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
3/5
I receive a lot of support from my employer. I have a personal review with my skills coach every 12 weeks, where we look at my progress and I have the opportunity to raise any concerns or issues. There is also a monthly engagement call for all apprentices, where key messages are delivered.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
3/5
Due to the current circumstances, all of my University modules are delivered online. I find this method of learning to be challenging because the face-to-face interaction is restricted. Despite this challenge, I think that the modules are delivered effectively and there are group tasks which are set so I can collaborate with my fellow students.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
4/5
I think that my qualification helps me to perform better in my role because it gives me a further understanding of my work. Often, what I am learning at University links back to my placement work so I can actively develop my skills in a work environment. This helps to consolidate my learning.
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 am unaware of any social activities or sports teams that are hosted at my work. However, there are a number of different professional networking events which take place, such as engagement calls and area-specific communications. I think that there is an opportunity for my employer to make more extra-curricular activities available.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend BAE Systems to a friend?
Yes
Why?
I would recommend my work to a friend because there are lots of benefits that the company provides. The annual holiday entitlement and flexible working hours means that I can enjoy a positive work-life balance. The share scheme is also a great incentive that the company offers to it's employees.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to BAE Systems?
I would advise that an individual applying for this company should look carefully into each role and choose which vacancy they want to apply for. The company offers lots of different schemes and roles, so researching which one is best for you would be highly beneficial in order to choose the best fit for you.
