Software Engineering Degree Apprentice Review
at BAE Systems
Degree Apprenticeship
Engineering
Brough HU15, UK
Review Submitted: April 2022
Overall Rating
3.1 /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
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Overview of Role
3/5
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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
Working towards both NVQ and BSc degree. Working with software (ADA and Java mostly) for Hawk and Typhoon.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
3/5
Bi-annual placements mean a lot of team experience is gained. Exposure to many projects within the software department. Teams are welcoming and helpful. The company often prioritises minor negative behaviours over more relevant positive behaviours
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
3/5
Programming Knowledge (ADA, C#, Java, LabVIEW)
Technical and software aircraft knowledge
Technical rig knowledge
Communication and Professionalism
Technical and software aircraft knowledge
Technical rig knowledge
Communication and Professionalism
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
3/5
First and Second Year: university 2 days a week, placement work 3 days a week
Third Year: full time university (degree obtained)
Fourth Year: full time placement work
Third Year: full time university (degree obtained)
Fourth Year: full time placement work
How much support do you receive from your employer?
2/5
Support is always available towards personal and placement matters. Support towards university can vary depending on the extent.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
2/5
Feedback is asked throughout the qualification but changes are rarely seen. The same issues seem to resurface throughout every apprentice year. A few exceptions regarding individual colleagues but as an entire entity, improvements to the qualification are lacking
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
2/5
First and second year at university doesn't contribute to majorly to the work during placements. However, the final year if university is tailored more. The company chooses certain units to study based on what will bring the best skills needed for the company. Apprentices still get a choice in some modules.
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
Professional networking events are arranged for apprentices. There are plenty of social activates in which apprentices can volunteer for.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend BAE Systems to a friend?
Yes
Why?
It is a good base company to start a career in. Good degree opportunity whilst also learning software skills in the trade. Good starting salary and an easy way to get into software engineering.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to BAE Systems?
Manage time between placement, NVQ and university effectively. Get involved with extra curricular activities. Use the support system for personal matters.
