Technical Engineer Review
at BAE Systems
Higher Level Apprenticeship
Aeronautical and Aerospace Engineering
Warton, Carnforth, UK
Review Submitted: May 2024
Overall Rating
3.4 /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
3/5
-
Skills Development
2.8/5
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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
Current role involves working on the safety and security of a product being developed.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
4/5
First year was full-on but enjoyable as I was able to meet many other apprentices. Second to third year was dependent on the placement I was in, one wasn't great but the vast majority was fun and interesting. My final placement year was exceptional
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
3/5
Learned loads of new skills, prior to starting the apprenticeship I had little practical experience in engineering. I have learned how to conduct engineering work and how to operate within a large company
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
2/5
Fairly well, there were some teething problems throughout the course as the college structure was quite different then previous cohorts. There were also some issues likely due to the increased amount of apprentices in later years taking up resources. My programme was also hampered by COVID, which prevented further education. This was handled quite poorly due to structural changes going on at the time
How much support do you receive from your employer?
4/5
I receive good support from my lecturers and placement managers. As most people within the business were apprentices at one point they're very understanding of how hard it can be to balance NVQ, college and placement work. Often they will allow time spent on apprentice work should you need it.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
3/5
The college lecturers are quite often free to talk or answer any questions you have around your qualification. This obviously differs from lecturer to lecturer as they have differing levels of responsibility and work load
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
3/5
I think the HNC I have achieved has helped throughout all the placements I have been on. It doesn't directly influence my end role however it definitely helps to have it as it has built up a lot of general aerospace engineering knowledge I didn't have before.
Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)
2/5
There are many, I can't comment on them too much as I didn't partake in them as much. Being from quite a drive away meant that Preston and Warton were often difficult to get to for social activities.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend BAE Systems to a friend?
Yes
Why?
The wage is very good. The workforce professional. There is a wide variety of roles within the company with ample opportunity to move horizontally should you desire a change. The company sponsors a range of further education options and is more then willing to support the growth of your career even if this would be away from the company itself.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to BAE Systems?
Get on top of your college and NVQ work. I've seen a few people who treated the scheme like high school or college (I am guilty of this on some occasions). If you fall behind in these regards it doesn't matter how good you are within placements as you will be held back and not be able to progress your apprentice wage when they periodically increase it.
