Higher Apprentice Technician/Engineer Review
at BAE Systems
Higher Level Apprenticeship
Engineering, Aeronautical and Aerospace Engineering, Manufacturing, Mechanical Engineering
Blackburn, Lancashire
Review Submitted: May 2024
Overall Rating
4.8 /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!
4.5/5
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Overview of Role
5/5
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Skills Development
4.6/5
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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
A mixture of theory based learning, STEM subjects including mechanical principles, Physics, Calculus, statistics, Circuit theorem, Thermodynamics, Materials science & so on, lots of practical skills based learning including the latest manufacturing technologies & techniques from people who have worked in the industry, get to produce components in a classroom environment.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
5/5
The mixture of both theory & practical caters to a lot of learning styles & interests, not every apprentice would be exceptional in every subject or practical skill, though the guidance allows all apprentices to gain a level of competency in all, however owing to the vast range of subjects and practical skills available it was easy to find something to excel at, often more than one.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
5/5
Yes on both counts, I have learned a lot of new practical skills as well theoretical based skills, the product of which can be used within an engineering & manufacturing environment, I have been given a good foundation on which to grow and continue to learn skills, there has also been a focus on learning new behaviours that are helpful within a professional environment.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
4/5
The programme is very well structured, all apprentices being made aware of subjects, practical skills training & timescales involved during the orientation part of the scheme, advice & coaching from the tutors regarding time management teaches even more skills and allows all apprentices to maximise their experience with the scheme, there are also tools made available to all apprentices to understand how the apprentice scheme breaks down in blocks of time.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
5/5
The support offered is exceptional, regarding any kind of needs the business makes good accommodations to those undertaking its apprenticeship schemes, from learning requirements to personal health & wellbeing or further educating apprentices on different topics, everyone is catered for.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
5/5
The training providers offer a lot of support, there is excellent training material offered during classroom based learning as well additional materials for self-learning, time to practice different methodologies & extra time can be asked for to further practice difficult subjects, the trainers also apply different methods of teaching so that understanding is attained, practically the training is methodical, broken down into easy to replicate blocks with additional time spent covering why certain methods are used, at any point if there is difficulty - the training providers will take extra time to go over the material so that all apprentices have a baseline understanding.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
5/5
Simply put, I would not be able to perform well in my daily role without the training provided & qualifications attained, additionally as well as the knowledge & practical skills gained during training, behaviours & mindset is important - learning not just what to do but how to approach tasks was essential learning to be successful.
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
Yes, there are a lot of things happening regularly, its difficult to keep track of everything, from fitness groups to various societies, even offering insight or help to new apprentice intakes through open days, presentations and group talks, there are a lot of activities available beyond work.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend BAE Systems to a friend?
Yes
Why?
I would suggest BAE Systems to school & college leavers as a viable career alternative to a degree & seeking employment through this method, the skills that can be learned whilst simultaneously being paid a salary make more sense than accruing learning debt with no guarantee of employment, whereas very few degrees also offer practical skills learning aside from theory.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to BAE Systems?
have a genuine desire to succeed, have an interest in what BAE Systems does, above all else be tenacious!
