Trials and commissioning engineer Review
at BAE Systems
Level 3 Apprenticeship
Engineering
Glasgow
Review Submitted: May 2023
Overall Rating
5 /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!
5/5
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Overview of Role
5/5
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Skills Development
5/5
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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:
5/5
My role as a trials and commissioning engineer apprentice is to attend both college and on-site training. In college my role is to attend classes that consist of both hands-on education like lathe-turning or hand-firting, and academic classes such as statics and dynamics, maths etc. My role on-site is to gain valuable experience from mentors and managers.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
5/5
I enjoy my programme to a great extent. Personally, i prefer being on-site and learning by experience. I enjoy navigating around the ship and learning from managers about each system. I enjoy that the programme consists of office based engineering with the use of different software, and hands on engineering on ship.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
5/5
I have learnt many new skills in college and on-site. In college, so far I have learnt how to use a MIG welder and construct various joints using welding techniques. I have also learnt how to contrust a pipe assembly and how to pressure test it. On-site I have learnt a lot about how a ship is constructed and how it is brought to life by the commissioning team.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
5/5
I believe the programme is structured very well as it gives you a chance to earn while you learn, as well as get both college education and on-site training. College gives you the basic principles you need to know, and on-site training goves you more specific, in-depth training that is ship specialized.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
5/5
You receive a lot of support from the employer. Programme leaders can be spoken to on a personal level and are eager to help you if you are in need of anything. There are also platforms in place at BAE Systems to help you if you are in need, such as the employee assistance programme.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
5/5
You receive a lot of support from your training provider. The training provider has software in place that makes it easy to access course information, and submit reports or knowledge questions. The lecturers can access this and mark your reports/questions. They give you feedback in class and online to help you work towards your qualification.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
5/5
I feel that my qualification helps me to perform better in my role as it gives me basic knowledge which is needed to perform at work. They also provide you with safety training which is critical in the workplace. The training provider tries to make the course relevant to your on-site role.
Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)
5/5
At work you meet numerous people and make new friends. Everyone is usually eager to help you learn and show you how things work. I am unaware of any social events, sports teams or professional networking events in my department. This may be an idea for future apprentices if it is not currently an option.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend BAE Systems to a friend?
Yes
Why?
I would recommend BAE systems to a friend as it is a great place to work, with extremely helpful managers who are eager to help you develop and gain the skills necessary to become a qualified engineer. The pay is also very competitive for an apprenticeship, and you gain qualifications whilst also gaining on-site experience.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to BAE Systems?
At BAE timekeeping is essential, so my main tip would be always to show up to work on time. Safety in the workplace is the main priority at BAE systems so my adive would be to be as safe as possible at all times and do not take unnecessary risks.
