Mechanical Fitter Review
at BAE Systems
Higher Level Apprenticeship
Engineering
Glasgow
Review Submitted: May 2023
Overall Rating
4.4 /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!
4/5
-
Overview of Role
5/5
-
Skills Development
4.4/5
-
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
I am currently at college Monday-Friday with academic subjects Monday and Tuesday then PEO Wednesday-Friday. This year I am on track to achieve a Level 6 NC in Mechanical Engineering. We have recently had another academic subject added in called Shipbuilding which is where most of our focus is now as we have an exam for it soon. Once we have completed this years course we will go onto the skills centre at the yard in either Scotstoun or Govan.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
4/5
I prefer the practical side of things compared to the academics purely because I stress easily when I study and it reminds me of school but I have enjoyed the course. I am just excited now to get on to the shipyard, meet the team and get my hands dirty.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
5/5
I have learned lots of new skills at college. I have never done engineering before so a lot of my subjects were new to me and I have passed them all so far, when I done joinery I used some of the tools we used in the workshop but most of the equipment was new. I have new learning skills, practical skills and have developed my personal skills.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
3/5
Personally I feel like it could have been structured better. We started off as a small class then a few weeks in got merged with some pipefitters. On the days the college are on holiday and we are in the yard it seems they are struggling to find us things to do so it can be quite boring. The timetable in college has been changed loads and there have been lots of mix ups so I feel that some things could be organised better.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
5/5
I receive full support from my employer. We have our manager in college for us every Wednesday, we have 2 main contacts where we can go if we have any issues, we can arrange meetings to discuss anything on our minds, we have been given a list of numbers we can call like helplines within the company.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
5/5
The lecturers are very helpful especially if you ask questions or need additional help. They have plenty of time for us and will explain something a hundred times if they need to. They are also very approachable which makes it easier to ask for help if I’m struggling. We also get a guidance session where we can bring up any issues we have and they will get smoothed out.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
5/5
I believe this qualification will help me perform better as I will be confident when people are talking to me about technical terms, I will be able to understand drawings, I will have knowledge about ships, I’ll be competent on the tools I think my overall performance will be better than it would’ve if I didn’t have this qualification.
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
I am unsure if there is anything like this at BAE but there are lots of activities always coming up in the college. In school I used to be one who would go to them all but now being a bit older I have other commitments at home and outwith college so I just don’t have the time to participate.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend BAE Systems to a friend?
Yes
Why?
I think this is a brilliant company to work for. Whenever you say to someone you work for BAE they know it right away because it has such a good reputation. It is a massive company and I believe it will have tons of opportunity for me to develop and grow.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to BAE Systems?
Advice I would give to others applying to BAE systems is do your research to make sure you go for the correct trade, be yourself, try your best, know what you want and be determined to get it, answer questions promptly and honest do not overthink it and believe in yourself don’t give up.
