Mechanical Designer Review
at BAE Systems
Higher Level Apprenticeship
Mechanical Engineering
Barrow-in-Furness, UK
Review Submitted: May 2024
Overall Rating
4.2 /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
4/5
-
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
Using CAD and software to create, design, review and change piping systems and supports on submarines in a 3D model and on 2D/3D engineering drawings.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
4/5
For the majority, the programme has been incredibly enthusiastic and eager to teach me as much as possible and prepare me for time completion. I have been fortunate to learn and experience a lot of teams and on my final one, I can say that I have mostly enjoyed it.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
5/5
Learnt and developed plenty of myself in administration, 2D/3D CAD design, team working, use of IT softwares and mechanical engineering in general.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
4/5
The programme relies on teams to take you in and develop your knowledge and understanding. The majority of teams (5/6) in my case have been fruitful and very well organised. The structure has been consistent and clear.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
5/5
Plenty. There is a vast wealth of resources, services and help available to us from different departments. If you need help, support, advice there will be something that BAE can do for you. This they are very good at.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
4/5
We had plenty of issues with the college providing the training for the HNC during a difficult COVID term but the support provided BAE was substantial should I of needed it. The support BAE provided got me through my exams and assignments.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
2/5
I don't feel that all of the training/HNC qualification was necessary for me to do my job as a mechanical designer. I do think that very little from the training and qualification provided from Furness College helps me perform better. However some of the knowledge is valuable.
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
BAE Systems Submarines is a huge site with over 10,000 employees. There is always something available to you either through your team or through the company intranet.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend BAE Systems to a friend?
Yes
Why?
To live and work in the area, you will struggle to find another company (apart from the hospital) that offers such a wealth of opportunities and careers.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to BAE Systems?
Keep trying. It took me multiple attempts to get in as an apprentice. A lot of it is pot luck unfortunately since so many apply, but keep trying and get experienced people to look over your CV, work with you on interview questions and learn about the business
