Engineering Degree Apprentice Review
at GE Aerospace
Degree Apprenticeship
Engineering
Bishop's Cleeve
Review Submitted: May 2022
Overall Rating
4.3 /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!
4/5
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Overview of Role
5/5
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Skills Development
3.6/5
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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:
4/5
Four days a week I am involved in a real-life engineering project working alongside experienced engineers and increasing my network day-by-day. I am given real responsibilities a big sense of belonging within the team. One day a week I get day release to go to university and attend lectures/practical sessions.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
4/5
I very much enjoy the Engineering Degree Apprenticeship offered by GE Aviation. Being given the opportunity to be involved in so many things like STEM outreach, careers events, etc, alongside your day job is really enjoyable, and the people who work here are always incredibly friendly and willing to help.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
5/5
Yes I have learnt many new skills over the course of the apprenticeship, not only at university but mostly at work. Being given the chance to work alongside extremely experienced engineers gives a great opportunity to learn from them in a real-world scenario. I've also had the chance to put the skills I learn at university into action at work, which is very useful as it shows how to apply the knowledge once you have learnt it.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
4/5
I think the programme is structured very well. When you join the apprenticeship you are broken slowly into working life, as many people have come straight from college/sixth form and haven't had the opportunity to be in a full time job. The training you get is also very sufficient for you to be able to feel confident in completing tasks. Throughout the programme you are given responsibilities throughout to allow you to demonstrate your leadership behaviours.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
4/5
I receive a very good amount of support from my employer, the engineering apprentice manager is incredibly supportive and friendly. Along with when you join, you are given an older year apprentice as a mentor which you will retain throughout your entire time on the programme. This gives you somebody you can talk to about anything thats worrying you whether that be university, your rotation work, or just there for a general chat if you need it.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
3/5
The degree is Electronic and Computer Engineering which is done through UWE (The University of the West of England). For the first 3 years of the apprenticeship, you study at Gloucestershire College (Cheltenham Campus) and for the final 2 years of the apprenticeship you study at UWE in Bristol. Both establishments give a good amount of support and the lecturers are always contactable to answer any questions and give any guidance if needed.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
3/5
I think it does help a lot, there have been many times where I have been able to apply what I have learnt at university in work. Its very helpful to be able to apply your knowledge at the same time as learning it, and I have found that it actually helps to expand your knowledge further as you can learn from engineers around you also.
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
Yes there are many different extra-curricular activities to get involved with. GE Aviation is very committed to STEM outreach and there are loads of opportunities to get involved with in and outside of work, whether that be the football team after work or attending a public event to spread the word about the apprenticeship and the company during the day.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend GE Aerospace to a friend?
Yes
Why?
I would recommend working for GE Aviation to a friend as it provides a really nice place to work surrounded by very friendly individuals, and is centered around your own continuous development. The apprenticeship is also a great route as it allows you to undertake 6 month rotations to really find the role that is suited for you.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to GE Aerospace?
I would advise anyone applying to GE Aviation to just be themselves, and don't try to pretend to be someone you're not. The standard application process is: Send in CV/Cover Letter -> Video Interview -> Assessment Centre. I would advise anyone thinking of joining GE to apply for work experience to see what the site is like, and to give you a good idea of what we do.
Business Operations: Project Management
at GE Aerospace
- Placement (10 Months+)
- Cheltenham, Gloucestershire
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2.4
