Higher Mechanical Engineering Apprentice Review
at BAE Systems
Higher Level Apprenticeship
Engineering
Portsmouth
Review Submitted: March 2025
Overall Rating
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
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Overview of Role
4/5
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Skills Development
3.4/5
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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
Varies day to day, mainly sitting in an office dealing with various paperwork but there are moments where the days are busier with more going on. Its hard to give a specific answer but (at least what I do) is mainly desk based with most of my work taking place on my laptop.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
4/5
I enjoy it a lot. I'm not entirely sure what the initial pitch was when I first applied to the company for the job role, but it's safe to say I've enjoyed myself during the programme. There isn't much I'd change with my experience but I have heard that future intakes are having a different experience. I'd argue the new system is slightly worse then how my intake had it, but that's from very limited knowledge.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
4/5
I've developed my skills using 3D CAD software both through the college courses and through work activities and stretch goals. I've also been able to develop my people skills in managing large groups of people and working in teams, forcing myself to interact with new people every day.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
3/5
Its definitely not the most well organised, especially at the start there were moments when our cohort wouldn't know where or what we would be doing one week to the next. The longer I stayed however things got more organised things got as I became more ingrained with the company. I still think there is room for improvement with how new intake are handled but in the end we all came out alright so I can't complain too much.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
4/5
I haven't needed much support during my apprenticeship so far but when I have needed some help, I've always been able to find it by asking around, whether it was a question about a certain task I was doing or with how a system in the company worked, by asking around I was almost always able to get the answer I was looking for.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
3/5
Due to the course and training being almost entirely online with only the odd in person session once per semester, its hard getting the chance to ask for help or support. This is no fault of the training providers, they have countless other classes to give their attention to but it means getting feedback or grades back from work we submit can take over a month at times and the option to call them 1 on 1 is rare, with most of my communication with them being through emails.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
3/5
Not a ton. Most of the units we covered during our HNC lessons didn't have much to do with the work I was undertaking in my role. The main thing the HNC assignments were able to help me was writing reports but even then, within the business there are specified templates everyone uses so there isn't much of a benefit to having that skill.
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 were a few stretch goals I was able to take part in that allowed me to get involved with more extra-curricular activities but I can't speak on behalf of others as these were done solo. With that in mind however, there were opportunities presented to me such as being a STEM ambassador or taking part in the field gun events they hold annually.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend BAE Systems to a friend?
Yes
Why?
Its a good company to work for with lots of areas of growth all taking place at the same time. BAE have a part in so many sectors in the industry that there is almost something for everyone if you're willing to put in the work for it. My only warning is that it's not like school, it's a job. You don't get the same sense of friendship you get attending college or university as they aren't your friends first, they're your colleagues first and friends second.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to BAE Systems?
During the interview process, just be yourself. I know many others say that but it really is true. If you're putting on an act during the interview process you'll have to keep that act up during you're whole career whereas if you're just being yourself, it gives the best idea of who you really are.
