mechanical fitter Review
at BAE Systems
Level 3 Apprenticeship
Engineering
Barrow-in-Furness
Review Submitted: August 2022
Overall Rating
2.8 /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
2.4/5
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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
I am on a newly formed squad and we carry out machining tasks on the job, throughout my apprenticeship I carried out various mechanical activities such as assembly of various units and valves.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
2/5
i did not enjoy my college experience as i had already completed the work and i was also a mature apprentice, i did not enjoy my time with the majority of the other apprentices. I would have liked to spend more time mechanical fitting.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
3/5
i have learnt many skills but i do not feel they have been specifically towards my trade as a mechanical fitter, i have spent more time lining off which shows were jobs are to be placed and in situ machining. neither are mechanical fitting.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
1/5
I feel on my experience the programme could be structured much better, I have not been in placements to carry out relevant tasks to gain the correct knowledge for long enough. Everything seems to be rushed last minute and most the apprentice managers dont know much.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
5/5
BAE as an employer is exceptional, they help with all manner of issues including drug, gambling, alcohol etc if needed. they supported the workers through covid with full pay and upon returning full sick pay if positive including up to this post in august 2022.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
2/5
My skills coach helped as much as possible, he was responsible for me to complete my apprenticeship however i felt a lot of the time his hands were tied and he was unable to get me where i needed to be due to other restraints from managers.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
1/5
I do not feel that my level 2 and level 3 nvq's are needed to carry out my role, maybe level 2 for some basic knowledge of materials but ultimately irrelevant to my job role. Many older tradesmen do not know much of what i was taught.
Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)
3/5
I think events are held through the company however squad events are organised on a local basis if and when can be sorted.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend BAE Systems to a friend?
Yes
Why?
The apprenticeship wages are good for mature apprentices which are hugely helpful, the apprenticeship is not great though. BAE as a company is an exceptional company and i would recommend them to anyone. Wages are good, shift pay is good, bonus' yearly, free shares, good pension, good place to work.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to BAE Systems?
Make sure you can be tolerant of the apprenticeship process however if it is your only route in to the business with a trade i would not deter you, apply and stick with the first 3 and half years for the end goal of being a tradesman.
