Submarines - Engineering Review
at BAE Systems
Degree Apprenticeship
Engineering
Barrow-in-Furness
Review Submitted: April 2022
Overall Rating
2.7 /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!
2.5/5
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Overview of Role
3/5
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Skills Development
2.2/5
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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:
2/5
Placement's rotate every 3-6 months. Currently I work from home and assist with forecasting and document management within an engineering department.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
3/5
During the first year while completing the HNC Engineering course, you are given two full days paid per week to study with the training provider. Leaving two and a half days to improve your working skills.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
3/5
I have significantly improved my Excel skills. Before joining i would have considered byself proficient, but it turns out i had barely scratched the surface of Excel in school and it will take years to master it!
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
2/5
As most people WFH, it can be challenging to communicate with the right person and find the right person you need for something specific. Seems to be lots of roles but nobody knows who is in charge of what.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
3/5
The Early Careers department are very understanding with any issues apprentices may have, but have not yet had an issue go full circle from raised to solved. Some placements are busier than others so people receive more or less time with a mentor than others.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
2/5
Staff shortages have made the last semester particularly difficult, with temp tutors who do not understand content they are presenting with little interest in what is best for the students.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
2/5
My first and current placement is within an admin role, so i have not yet really had chance to apply engineering knowledge gained at college.
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
"Stretch" assignments are available for apprentices.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend BAE Systems to a friend?
No
Why?
The training and work side of the company i have seen so far have not lived up to the expectations i had prior to joining. I hope once i have rotated through some more placements and the training is fixed, i can change mind.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to BAE Systems?
Relevant work experience should improve your chances of getting an apprenticeship, or a job in general in the engineering industry. Have a rough idea of the companies history and what is manufactured (and has been previously) at the particular site you work on.
