fabricator Review
at BAE Systems
Level 3 Apprenticeship
Engineering
Portsmouth
Review Submitted: April 2023
Overall Rating
4 /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!
3.5/5
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Overview of Role
4/5
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Skills Development
3.8/5
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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
Fabrication- I produce and rework parts. many of this involves either producing brand new components, whether from technical drawings or by taking measurements, or reworking and reconditioning old parts to work properly again. I spend most of my time in the workshop doing a variety of sheet and plate work. this requires use of many tools and lots of machinery.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
4/5
I really enjoy my programme. like anything there are parts I do not enjoy but also many parts I do. because I am a hands on person I really enjoy being in the workshop making projects and honing my skills. I do not enjoy classroom work or knowledge questions as much as i am not really an academic person.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
4/5
I have learnt many new skills, including the use of a mig welder, sheet metal folding techniques, the proper use of many hand tools and the proper use of many machine tools. these include, rollers, folders, guillotines and pillar drills. I have also learned to work to much smaller tolerances than what I could and have learned how to make my work piece more precise to the drawing they are made from.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
3/5
the programme is well structured but could be organised more efficiently. There seems to be a lot of time where the required work is finished and we have to make our own projects. I enjoy this but struggle to occupy the time left effectively sometimes. however, the course structure itself is excellent it is well put together and the units involved are very interesting.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
4/5
I receive a fair amount of support from my employer. If I raise an issue it is generally dealt with promptly and effectively and this is reassuring. The sick leave procedure is good and easy to work through and the human resources and safeguarding team are very accommodating and very helpful with any issues put forward.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
4/5
I receive lots of support from my instructors when working towards qualifications. if I need extra time or extra help they do their best to help to accommodate these requests and are often very effective with this. even within classroom working they always ask if the task is understood and if it isn't they will run through it a second time to make sure it is understood
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
4/5
my qualification is essential to my roles and helps me greatly. it has taught me everything required to perform my job so far. it has taught me how to use the tools and machinery and the etiquette required for the work place and to excel in my role. it has also taught me about myself and given me the motivation required to shine in the workplace
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
there are many extra curricular activities to get involved in throughout the year. these have included a field gun team, a monthly pub meet up organised by the apprentice council and the opportunity to restore the gun mounts of a d-day landing craft. there is a base wide car meet coming up and there have been opportunities to clean beaches, for museum visits and to go to the lake district for a week
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend BAE Systems to a friend?
Yes
Why?
they are an excellent employer with high job satisfaction, many benefits and many good people to work with. the majority of people i have worked with have been very professional and the management is good and easy to deal with. the benefits such as the share scheme are extremely enticing and the overall work environment is very good
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to BAE Systems?
be yourself and take an interest in the work you will be doing. this will really help you through the interviews.
be honest about yourself and your skills. this is an apprenticeship meant for younger adults so its jot imperative that you come in highly skilled as you have to train in job specific skills anyway.
be honest about yourself and your skills. this is an apprenticeship meant for younger adults so its jot imperative that you come in highly skilled as you have to train in job specific skills anyway.
