Engineering technician Review
at BAE Systems
Higher Level Apprenticeship
Engineering
Glasgow
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
3/5
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Skills Development
4/5
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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:
4/5
Right now I am at college full time for the first year of the apprenticeship my day to day includes attending classes and occasionally doing training for the company. When I am in the office I am part of the detail design team and use CAD and drawings to design the ship.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
3/5
I find my programme okay as I enjoy studying and learning. I feel as if the college course was longer than needed for myself so a lot of time was spent bored doing nothing as the employer could not take us into the yard. Overall, it has been interesting to learn the topics.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
3/5
I have learned multiple skills as I came into the job without relevant qualifications. My job required a few highers to join and whilst I had highers they were not physics or engineering related. I have learned workshop skills such as welding and turning and I have learned engineering academics such as statics and maths.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
4/5
The programme started off with a three day induction introducing us to the company and their values. We were told to go to college for the first year and the transition was smooth and well organised. Occasionally messages are not fed back between the employer and the college, but we have an early career person situated at the college for contacts.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
4/5
The employer tries to keep us occupied over college holidays by bringing us into the yard so we do not have to use our annual leave on the college hoildays although this is still an option. The employer has an employee assist programme providing therapy as well as safeguarding policies.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
4/5
The college provides support with extra time to focus on weaker subjects so that the quailifation can still be achieved in a good time. The timetable can be changed slightly to suit the time of year and the needs of the students. Support is also given when it comes to emergency funding if needed although the employer gives you a full wage.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
4/5
The qualifications give you background information on the principles of engineering and help you stand out within the company and outwith the company as a qualified individual. It gives me confidence when doing work in he yard as I feel as if I have the knowledge to do the work being asked.
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 is optional professional events to attending through zoom which are sent occasionally although most of them are for mental health rather than about the job itself. We went to outward bound with the company for a week which focused on team values and company values by undertaking outdoor activities.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend BAE Systems to a friend?
Yes
Why?
They are a competitive well paid employer that stands out to to other companies. They ensure that whilst undertaking education and work that you are well compensated so that you can still raise a family and support yourself on this wage making it accessible to everyone to apply to. I think it is a good company to work for.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to BAE Systems?
I would say even if you do not have the correct qualifications just apply and focus on your experience in life that can make you stand out from the crowd. Ensure that you focus on company values during the interview as this is key to the company in their hiring process.
