Mechanical Engineering Higher Apprentice Review
at BAE Systems
Higher Level Apprenticeship
Engineering
Portsmouth
Review Submitted: April 2023
Overall Rating
3.9 /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!
4.5/5
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Overview of Role
4/5
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Skills Development
3.4/5
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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:
4/5
I get a wide range of different jobs and task meaning every day if different. I mainly work with drawings to help support the manufactures meaning that I get an option to interact with a wide range of different people. I am given appropriate challenges with full support from other people in my team so I never feel out of my depth.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
5/5
I really enjoy my apprenticeship as I get to do what I want to do with that being engineering. I get a wide range of different experiences while working with a lot of support so I never feel too out of my depth and too stressed. There is a lot of other apprentices as well meaning there is options to build friendships and working relationships.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
4/5
I have developed my CAD skills massively and I am now able to complete drawings to high standards meaning I can also understand them much clearer. I am now much more confident communicating with other employees by face to face. I have expanding my engineering knowledge and understanding to a much higher level while I am now being given tasks individually and not always working with another team member.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
3/5
There is a well structured program in place for me to move around the business and get experiences in different departments. The College education part of the apprenticeship could be structured better however as an overall apprenticeship excluding the college education is has a well structured program and I know when I will be moving placements and I know what I need to do to complete the apprenticeship.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
4/5
I receive regular support from my employer from regular emails with reminders to complete apprenticeship objectives to regular meetings to track progress and ensure my objectives are being ticket off in time so it doesn't create a huge rush at the end. The company has regular meetings to ensure everyone is informed about current affairs within the business.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
3/5
When are work I am given time to complete my assignment tasks for my HNC qualification. I am also given day release to attend college on Tuesdays. College is done internally meaning I can contact my lectures during the working week to ask questions if needed and feedback that was given on assignments.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
3/5
I feel like the training helps a little but I don't feel like like most of what we have covered so far doesn't apply to the job or I don't believe I will use in the next 5 years. I think the bets use of the training is to help teach you different ways of engineering thinking.
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
I haven't got too involved in extra curricular activities myself but there are many options presented. There are options such as social events after work. There are regular emails and reminders being sent out with options for extra curricular activities so if someone wanted to get involved there would be plenty to do.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend BAE Systems to a friend?
Yes
Why?
I think it is a really good company to work for with lots of benefits as they are one of the best apprentice providers in the UK as they are very invested into the next generation and they are very forward thinking and are happy to provide further training and funding if it will provide a benefit to you the company.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to BAE Systems?
I would say be confided when going into it and don't let the company size scare you as if you would be a good fit for the job you should get it. Be well prepared for the interview for the section of the business you are going into as you don't want to mix up the different sections.
