Engineering technician apprentice Review
at BAE Systems
Higher Level Apprenticeship
Engineering
Glasgow
Review Submitted: April 2023
Overall Rating
3.4 /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
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Overview of Role
4/5
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Skills Development
2.8/5
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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
My role as an engineering technician apprentice specialising in the structural discipline has a wide scope of work, I am currently moving around different placements but once my apprenticeship is complete, I will fall into the detail designer category. As a detail designer, you work with CAD softwares to model and integrate design ideas to the royal navy new class of frigates.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
3/5
I think the programme is well structured and there is plenty to learn from peers. All managers have been welcoming and provide you with adequate information to start tasks. One thing I would change is how detailed the description of the role is when applying as I feel it lacks detail in what a detail designer does.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
4/5
I have developed new skills technically when learning how to model using CAD softwares and build a good understanding of ship terminology when talking about a highly advanced warship. Personally, I have developed my communication skills when reporting back to management and my problem solving skills when dealing with tasks that require rework.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
4/5
I think the programme is well structured and there is plenty to learn from peers. All managers have been welcoming and provide you with adequate information to start tasks. There is constant communication from the early careers team on placements for 2 years in advance and all departments are prepared to take on apprentices.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
3/5
My employer always provides details on what to do in different situations, work and family related. They push me to succeed and give good examples of standards set by others before me. All the teams I work in are welcoming and have years of experience spread across them to share with me.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
2/5
When in first year, I was at college 5 days per week and I felt the support received from lectures was good, but could have been better. Now in second year, I am at college 1 day per week and I feel less in touch with the college and their planning. I alerted my employer to this and they have spoken to them regarding our learning.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
2/5
Personally I do not feel the college work helps me at all technically and I would find very little ways to implement this in my day to day role. The only module that is fully transferable would be the shipbuilding principles course which give a good insight to shipbuilding and manufacturing processes.
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
There are various different extra curricular activities at work although the communication about these is not great, and so it all comes from word of mouth. I feel there could be more teams to join but it all stems from interest and resources able to be invested into something like this.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend BAE Systems to a friend?
Yes
Why?
The company has great benefits and good pay, you work in an exciting environment in which every day is different and the scope of work varies. You have flexibility with working hours and sometimes an option of hybrid working where required. The company want to push you as far as possible and support you if you want to pick up extra qualifications.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to BAE Systems?
I would read up on past and current history of the business to see what current contracts the company are working on, familiarise yourself with the basics of shipbuilding and promote yourself in the best way that you can i.e. talking about your strengths and why you would be a good fit for the role you are applying for.
