Eng Op Review
at BAE Systems
Level 2 Apprenticeship
Engineering
Portsmouth
Review Submitted: March 2025
Overall Rating
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!
5/5
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Overview of Role
5/5
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Skills Development
5/5
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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
My role as an Engineering Operative Apprentice is mostly hands-on mechanical and electrical fitting, maintaining the Royal Navy's Fleet to help protect those who are protect us. In the first year we gain practical experience in mechanical and electrical work in our Skills Development Centre, and then two years of placements with qualified fitters, applying what is learned in the classroom and workshop.
I prefer the doing this variety of work - learning from experienced fitters, and acquiring required skills for a career in the industry. BAE Systems provides excellent training, excellent career prospects, and the opportunity to do something meaningful.
I prefer the doing this variety of work - learning from experienced fitters, and acquiring required skills for a career in the industry. BAE Systems provides excellent training, excellent career prospects, and the opportunity to do something meaningful.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
5/5
I really enjoy everyday at my apprenticeship, it's challenging, hands-on, and incredibly rewarding. Every day I'm improving and honing my practical skills and knowledge I need to be able to deliver some of the most important projects for our customer - The Royal Navy.
We have a great balance of workshop and classroom work and I'm excited to apply this to maintaining and upgrading the Royal Navy's fleet to protect those who protect us.
We have a great balance of workshop and classroom work and I'm excited to apply this to maintaining and upgrading the Royal Navy's fleet to protect those who protect us.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
5/5
I've acquired a whole new, wide range of new skills, from mechanical maintenance and comprehension fitting and electrical maintenance and fault-finding.
These have helped me not only through the apprenticeship but also in my life, as I've restored an old car and fixed up old electric guitars.
The hands-on training at BAE has given me the confidence to try tough jobs, and I'm looking forward to putting this growing skill set to work on real-world projects in the dockyard.
These have helped me not only through the apprenticeship but also in my life, as I've restored an old car and fixed up old electric guitars.
The hands-on training at BAE has given me the confidence to try tough jobs, and I'm looking forward to putting this growing skill set to work on real-world projects in the dockyard.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
5/5
The course is well-planned, with equal balances of hands-on work and classroom work.
Year one concentrates on building mechanical and electrical skills and knowledge, before progressing on to placements with qualified fitters in the yard working on some of the most important projects in the world - maintaining and upgrading the Royal Navy's surface fleet.
There is a clear progression route laid out for us and there is plenty of support in place to help us to be successful
Year one concentrates on building mechanical and electrical skills and knowledge, before progressing on to placements with qualified fitters in the yard working on some of the most important projects in the world - maintaining and upgrading the Royal Navy's surface fleet.
There is a clear progression route laid out for us and there is plenty of support in place to help us to be successful
How much support do you receive from your employer?
5/5
The support from my employer has been great, with experienced mentors including [This section of the comment has been removed by a member of the Higherin Team because it did not meet our site terms and conditions] and the rest of the team.
We have structured training, and regular check-ins to ensure apprentices are progressing. There are always people available to help, and feedback is encouraged to improve the apprenticeship experience.
We have structured training, and regular check-ins to ensure apprentices are progressing. There are always people available to help, and feedback is encouraged to improve the apprenticeship experience.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
5/5
The Skills Coaches offer structured lessons, helpful tutors, and frequent tests to track progress.
They are always available to answer questions and provide extra support when needed, so we have the knowledge to apply our skills in the yard.
They are always available to answer questions and provide extra support when needed, so we have the knowledge to apply our skills in the yard.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
5/5
The qualification provides a sound foundation of knowledge that is immediately applicable to my work. It allows me to understand technical concepts, work safely, and apply best practices, making me more competent and confident in my day-to-day tasks.
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, there are plenty of opportunities to get involved beyond the day-to-day job.
One of the best initiatives is the Maritime Services Local Council (MSLC) and the Apprentice Representative Scheme, which I’ve helped develop. This scheme gives apprentices a voice within the company, helping to improve working conditions, raise concerns, and drive positive change.
By taking on a rep role—be it in health and safety, well-being, social events, or even sport—apprentices gain leadership skills, confidence, and experience working with senior management.
It also gives the feeling of belonging to the company and gets apprentices heard and listened to.
These activities outside of work do have an impact, getting apprentices to grow professionally and personally.
One of the best initiatives is the Maritime Services Local Council (MSLC) and the Apprentice Representative Scheme, which I’ve helped develop. This scheme gives apprentices a voice within the company, helping to improve working conditions, raise concerns, and drive positive change.
By taking on a rep role—be it in health and safety, well-being, social events, or even sport—apprentices gain leadership skills, confidence, and experience working with senior management.
It also gives the feeling of belonging to the company and gets apprentices heard and listened to.
These activities outside of work do have an impact, getting apprentices to grow professionally and personally.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend BAE Systems to a friend?
Yes
Why?
Yes, I certainly would. BAE Systems has an excellent apprenticeship scheme providing true hands-on experience, brilliant training, and the opportunity to contribute to working on projects which make a significant impact.
Good support system in place, too, and programs like the Apprentice Representative Scheme make the apprentices more audible and influence the experience to their benefit.
With hands-on training, career progression, and the ability to participate in leadership, this is a great place to start an engineering career.
Good support system in place, too, and programs like the Apprentice Representative Scheme make the apprentices more audible and influence the experience to their benefit.
With hands-on training, career progression, and the ability to participate in leadership, this is a great place to start an engineering career.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to BAE Systems?
Be proactive and eager to learn—BAE Systems values initiative and eagerness to develop new skills. Research the company and role beforehand, as demonstrating knowledge of the industry and how your work adds value will help you stand out.
During the application and interview phase, highlight teamwork, problem-solving, and any practical experience you have, even if it's from personal projects.
Last but not least, utilise schemes such as the Apprentice Representative Scheme to participate and make the most out of your apprenticeship.
During the application and interview phase, highlight teamwork, problem-solving, and any practical experience you have, even if it's from personal projects.
Last but not least, utilise schemes such as the Apprentice Representative Scheme to participate and make the most out of your apprenticeship.
