Aerospace Engineer Review
at BAE Systems
Degree Apprenticeship
Aeronautical and Aerospace Engineering
Preston
Review Submitted: June 2024
Overall Rating
3.9 /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
3.6/5
-
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
The role varies depending on which placement I am in, however currently I am responsible for some testing/simulation. I interact with my manager daily and with the team whenever I am onsite, particularly in the weekly team meeting. I also communicate across teams to clarify information and ask for help when required.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
4/5
From a placement perspective, I really enjoy my programme. Most teams across the business are keen to support apprentices and provide lots of opportunities for learning, growth and development, and the work is interesting. From a college perspective, the experience is often less ideal because the college is unorganised and the quality of teaching is often sub-par.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
4/5
I have been able to learn simulation skills using a new software, and have also been able to further develop core skills such as initiative, communication, time management and confidence.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
4/5
In previous years, the programme has been poorly organised and it has been difficult to get answers/support from early careers. The pay rise is always several months late and communication for procedures has been poor. However, with our new skills lead things seem to be changing and hopefully they will continue to do so.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
5/5
With the change in leadership for the scheme, support from early careers has improved dramatically and I find it much easier to find answers and seek assistance. In placements, managers have always been supportive and encouraging, and I have been able to voice issues/concerns that I have without being worried.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
2/5
Generally support from the college has been quite poor, however the new head of ops at college is trying to make changes. Support issues are mainly due to specific lecturers and poor organisation across the college, which means some lecturers seem unqualified for the role and don't respond to questions from students when asking for support.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
2/5
There are some things that do translate over but the structure of the teaching means there is only focus on covering content as quickly as possible rather than taking time to understand, and some lecturers are so poor at teaching that it doesn't seem like they know what they're supposed to be teaching.
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
Yes - within early careers there are so many opportunities for social interaction and networking, both in a professional and a more relaxed format. It is easy to get involved and meet lots of new people. There are groups across the different business areas that are run by apprentices and early careers.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend BAE Systems to a friend?
Yes
Why?
Aside from issues with college, the apprenticeship is a great way to properly learn and find areas of the business that are interesting and engaging, as well as build long lasting connections with lots of teams and individuals that will be useful in the future. There are so many opportunities as long as apprentices are willing to take them.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to BAE Systems?
The application process can be daunting, but it's important to be honest and showcase your skills. Ensure you have achieved the required grades, but variety of experience is important (cadets, DofE, work experience) to ensure the company hires well rounded individuals. Don't be put off applying just because you didn't achieve the highest grades
