DTS Software Engineering Degree Apprentice Review
at BAE Systems
Degree Apprenticeship
Software Engineering
Warton, Carnforth, UK
Review Submitted: May 2024
Overall Rating
4.3 /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!
5/5
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Overview of Role
5/5
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Skills Development
3.6/5
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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:
5/5
Utilising software engineering skills across the whole software development lifecycle. Most days are different with either daily or general placement tasks set by your manager. Communicating with team members for support and attending meetings in order to develop professional skills.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
5/5
I greatly enjoy my program as it is a great blend of on site experience and learning with the training provider (Cranfield University). Being surrounded by people that have been in the industry for many years has allowed me to develop greatly and ask for support where needed. You are given a lot of responsibility but always enough support to reach your goals set out.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
5/5
I have been able to develop my skillset through the program drastically. The main focus of the program is writing code so that is where the greatest development has been shown. BAE Systems provides you with training material and online courses in order to develop your skillset further. The biggest benefit is seeing real world code and learn from experienced colleagues surrounding you.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
4/5
The program is very well organised. I currently utilise 3 days in the office completing work tasks and two days completing University work. Where and when I need to I can utilise more University days and similarly with work tasks. We are additionally sent on a block release to University every 6-8 weeks which meets our face to face time with our training provider.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
5/5
My employer provides a lot of support. I have direct contact with team members and course reps on a weekly basis with help always being provided where needed. Utilising in office time to ask questions allows me to develop and gain greater experience within the business. Additionally, utilising digital communication throughout the day allows support to always be close.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
3/5
The training provider provides adequate support throughout the course. They are not as easy to contact quickly due to the nature of online lectures. Support is definitely there it just needs seeking out.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
2/5
I think some aspects of the qualification help me in my role such as programming modules and professional skills. However, these useful modules are sparsely sprinkled throughout the course and can sometimes feel like you are doing a module that is directly focused on another specialism which isn't too useful.
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
There definitely are I haven't utilised them myself so cannot speak on the range of activities available.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend BAE Systems to a friend?
Yes
Why?
I would recommend BAE Systems to anyone.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to BAE Systems?
Ensure your application documents are up to date and have everything that is relevant that BAE Systems would want to know about yourself. During interview stages, show the best version of yourself and go into detail about your experience. Even if its not in a professional environment, BAE Systems wants to know if you have a passion for what you are applying for, all the small projects you've worked on in your own time is definitely worth mentioning!
