Project Controls Apprentice Review
at BAE Systems
Degree Apprenticeship
Business Operations
Lancashire, UK
Review Submitted: April 2025
Overall Rating
4.5 /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
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Overview of Role
4/5
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Skills Development
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
I work with the numbers side of a project. Controlling costs and budgets and liaising with Team Leaders their spend. I also control some schedules for the contract I am on, I am responsible for keeping them up to date and making changes when necessary. Furthermore, we also have university assignments to be getting on with so some days can be quite busy with a lot of work.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
5/5
I enjoy the programme a lot, I get on well with the other apprentices in my cohort. I am lucky to have a really good team of people around me as well. Work can be stressful at times with many deadlines coming up and also having uni assignments to complete as well as your full time job, but this was to be expected.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
4/5
There's a lot of communication that comes with this role, talking to many different people from around the business in all sorts of roles. The nature of the role is very analytical so that is something that I have continually been developing as well. Among that, many other soft skills such as teamwork, integrity and then just general IT skills.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
4/5
I think it is very well done. I like that we get to change placements each year to give us a wide variety of roles to go in to. Also we have regular apprentice meetings/catch-ups informing us of any changes to the scheme and any plans going forward. The amount of support around is great so it's easy to stay on track to complete your apprenticeship.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
5/5
I receive a lot of support from my employer. We have Learner Progress Reviews roughly every 10 weeks, which help track our development and check how we’re getting on. Day to day, there’s always support available from colleagues and line managers if we need help or get stuck.
In the earlier years especially, there’s plenty of structured support like networking sessions and training, which really helps us settle into the business.
Especially in the lower years, there is lots of networking sessions, training provided etc. that helps us embed ourselves into the business.
In the earlier years especially, there’s plenty of structured support like networking sessions and training, which really helps us settle into the business.
Especially in the lower years, there is lots of networking sessions, training provided etc. that helps us embed ourselves into the business.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
3/5
The training has been very tailored to the role and company, it's can be interactive too as there is only 10 in my class. Teachers regularly offer out one-to-ones as well for assignment help. We have had some issues with communication in the past and clarity over due dates but these have been rectified quickly
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
3/5
The qualification gives a good foundation in project management theory, which helps me understand the bigger picture in my role. Some modules link directly to what I do day to day which is good. Now that I'm in 4th year there have been some modules that have repeated what we have already done, which does feel slightly repetitive. Overall, it supports my development and definitely applies to work across the business.
Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)
5/5
I have previously got involved with a 5-a-side league and a golf tournament that have been organised through work. There is lots of networking too, whether it's through programme specific events like the 1000th Aft Fuselage celebration, or functional like the PM roadshow. All give a great opportunity to network and build connections with both your own and other teams
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend BAE Systems to a friend?
Yes
Why?
I’d recommend a BAE apprenticeship because you get real responsibility early on, with support from experienced teams. You gain a degree without the debt, while building practical skills in a professional environment. There’s a clear development path, varied placements, and the chance to work on meaningful, long-term projects that you can see the actual progress of.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to BAE Systems?
Show that you’re eager to learn from experience and from the people around you - I feel like that is received quite well around here. Showing evidence of logical thinking and organisation will stand out too, thus is the nature of project work
