Project Management Degree Apprentice Review
at BAE Systems
Degree Apprenticeship
Business Operations
Portsmouth
Review Submitted: May 2023
Overall Rating
3.6 /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
-
Overview of Role
4/5
-
Skills Development
3/5
-
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
Everyday in different depending on the placement/ project you work within. Generally, Project manager apprentices support the daily activities of the project alongside the project manager which includes, managing clients expectations along with progress, communicating with external suppliers, higher management and the engineers daily. These sorts of tasks increase the likelihood of the project finishing on time and within budget.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
4/5
The programme allows me to gain a huge amount of exposure within the business as we rotate placements every 12 months as well as gain a wealth of knowledge and experience while studying the academic course. The programme is very enjoyable and is nice to work with a mix of apprentice and highly skilled subject matter experts.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
4/5
As everyday is different you learn new skills everyday as well as developing existing skills. You are required to perform excellent communication with all project team members whether that is internally with different departments or externally with the customer and suppliers. The way you present yourself both verbally and non- verbally are key. Microsoft applications such as excel, project and word are used almost everyday.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
3/5
The programme for the main is well organised and structured however there is often a lack of support to apprentices with questions that do not get answered in a timely manner which can lead to some uncertainties with placements and studies. This comes from both the company and the external training provider.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
3/5
Within placement the support is incredible and can not be put down however often questions go unanswered and there is not an additional point of contact to go to within the early careers team which can be challenging for some individuals. It is important to maintain connections from previous placements to lean on for support in the future.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
2/5
The support from the training provider is not the best and in my experience there have been serval issues with not only my cohort but the years above too which shows a consistent problem. This is especially when it comes to the major exams and final submission of project work that you are left to your own devices.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
4/5
Although managing both a degree and full time work can be challenging, having the ability to learn the theory and then put it into practice in the work place is very valuable. it can also happen the alternate way so that you learn something on the job and then you learnt he theory and can analyse the differences.
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
Recently there has been a boost in the amount of social activities being held at work regarding apprentices. The turnout however may not be massive as their are groups of apprentices dotted all across the country and it is hard to collate without the support of the business. Since covid the amount of events put on by the company have massively reduced and it is now down to apprentices to organise in their own time and with their own funding.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend BAE Systems to a friend?
Yes
Why?
The opportunities are massive and for the most part the programme provides you with everything you need in order to set you up for a successful professional career while allowing for you to secure the vital degree and additional qualifications. An individual who is independent and doe snot rely on others will have no issues with the lack of support given by the employer.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to BAE Systems?
Be yourself and ensure that the company core values align with those of the company. Allow yourself to be open to opportunities and get involved with all that is on offer to develop yourself and expand your network. Don't be disheartened if you do not hear anything from you application after each stage, as the defence industry requires additional security checks to take place and elongates the process.
