Mechanical Engineer Review
at BAE Systems
Degree Apprenticeship
Engineering
Barrow-in-Furness
Review Submitted: May 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!
3.5/5
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Overview of Role
4/5
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Skills Development
3.6/5
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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
I rotate around the Business every 6 months to gain experience in different departments. I am currently working within the Legislation of this industry to ensure that the product that we manufacture remains applicable to the guidelines set. Therefore, my role has varied. I attend University once a week to attain my Degree.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
4/5
During my time so far on my Apprenticeship scheme I have had a mix of working on site and working from home. I thoroughly enjoyed when I worked on site. It was great to learn from experienced engineers and to be able to see the products in person. However, I have enjoyed working from home less so. But it is important to note that I have a serious job so I never had the expectation to always enjoy my role.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
4/5
I have learnt many new skills. I did 6 months of Project Management, where I learnt to construct formal emails/schedule meetings and distribute these to senior employees. I have also learnt how to use 3D modelling software. I have also learnt how to digest large documents and break these down to provide solutions
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
3/5
I believe that the company has quite a good structure for my Apprenticeship scheme. It is very beneficial to rotate round various department and then exited into your 'home' role. However, since my intake started in Covid 19 this was a bit disjointed and my development rotation was not as well planned as it usually would be.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
4/5
I believe that there is quite a solid support network set in place. This is represented as Line Managers to oversee attendance and leave. Another role to have 12 weekly scheduled reviews, which also act as a catch up. Finally, there is a person in charge of your development to plan which departments you rotate around.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
4/5
I believe I receive a strong level of support for my qualifications. If I require extra time to work on assignments or to revise for assignments then this is allowed. I have also utilised the knowledge of Engineers within work, who have been happy to offer their support to ensure I attain my qualifications and become the best Engineer possible.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
3/5
I believe that I have used the skills gained from working to achieve my qualification within work. For example, at University i learned how to use 3D modelling software and then this was then frequently used within work. I also believe I have improved at writing formal documents which is essential for my career
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
Other Apprentices have organised outside of work socials or sports activities, for example there is a charity rounders event. Within work, there is also extra curricular activities. All Apprentices have to do some but there is no limit on how many you take on throughout your scheme. These are genuinely interesting and build skills/character.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend BAE Systems to a friend?
Yes
Why?
Overall, I would definitely encourage BAE Systems to a friend because the Company invest heavily and maintain a big emphasis on Apprentices and the newer generation. There is endless support, if this is required and you are guaranteed a job after you achieve your Apprenticeship. It is also nice to be paid fairly.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to BAE Systems?
I would say do your research into the core Company values and behaviours - even though you will be sure to learn about these once you start working. I would also say don't be discouraged if you don't believe you are the smartest person for the job as BAE care about you as a person and your core beliefs.
