Mechanical/Electrical Engineering Apprentice Review
at BAE Systems
Higher Level Apprenticeship
Engineering
Portsmouth
Review Submitted: March 2025
Overall Rating
3.5 /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
4/5
-
Skills Development
2.8/5
-
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 move around the business developing my skills in different areas. I am currently on the naval ships every day doing tests and fault finding for electrical systems.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
4/5
I enjoy it very much. There are so many opportunities available to develop skills or to gain experience.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
4/5
Yes definitely. I have developed my social and professional skills within the office and on ship. I have also learnt new skills that link to the electrical systems on ship which will help future development in the business.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
2/5
It's very much up to the individual in my programme. We are still under a Skills Coach however we are encouraged to be independent when choosing placements and networking. The main structure of the programme is organized and structured however the actions within the programme aren't very organized at all.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
2/5
I have lots of support from placement managers but with Skills coaches we have support from afar. Which is still good, but feels like we've been 'dropped in the deep end' so to speak.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
4/5
I had quite a bit of support while completing my HNC Qualifications from all lecturers.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
2/5
Unfortunately I don't believe some of the units completed in the HNC were all relevant to my job role. All units were engineering based but were very much theory oriented and were hard to relate them to the jobs i was doing. Maybe needed more specified units to match better with roles in the business.
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 a STEM Ambassador which means i am able to go to schools and colleges and represent the company, showing students the opportunities that the company offers. We also have the Field Gun Competition which apprentices can get involved with.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend BAE Systems to a friend?
Yes
Why?
There are so many opportunities available within the company that everyone would be able to find a role that suits them. All employees are friendly and welcoming which makes the process smooth sailing.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to BAE Systems?
Be your genuine self, we want to see passion for engineering / management but also want to see who you are as a person.
