Apprentice Review
at BAE Systems
Level 3 Apprenticeship
Mechanical Engineering
Portsmouth
Review Submitted: March 2025
Overall Rating
3.4 /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!
3/5
-
Overview of Role
4/5
-
Skills Development
3/5
-
Structure and Support
Overview of Role
Please give an overview of your role and what this involves on a day-to-day basis:
3/5
overall, it is roughly a 50/50 split between learning in the classroom and in the workshop. This will include answering knowledge questions and writing work reports when in the classroom, and working on engines ect when in the workshop.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
3/5
When in the workshop, I really enjoy the practical element, hands on experience and way of learning. However, although we have a 50/50 split, the classroom time tends to be grouped together. This can sometimes make cause the days to feel longer.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
4/5
So far, I have gained knowledge on how an engine actually works the process involved in its disassembly and reassembly. I have also gained experience when working with precision and to a set tolerance. When it comes to classroom based work, I have improved in my report writing, including the structure and content that needs to be involved.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
3/5
Generally, the programme is well structured and organised with a rough guide to what we will be learning and when. However, there does seem to be a lot of down time where we aren't learning anything that we could be spending in a way that will improve our skillset.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
3/5
There is lots of support from the company and within the training centre. There is always someone to go to if you are struggling or have any questions.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
3/5
Our training provider has additional support for those with any difficulties learning, eg dyslexia and ADHD.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
3/5
The training I am receiving now will help me to gain knowledge that I will need when going out onto different placements after my first year.
Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)
3/5
There are activities such as field gun and the ERT that can be applied for. There is also the opportunity to help with things like open evenings and interviews.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend BAE Systems to a friend?
Yes
Why?
The apprenticeship is a great way to gain knowledge and practical experience, without having to get into debt from something like university that is all theoretical.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to BAE Systems?
if you get through to interviews, prepare for them in advance and just relax when you get there. just be yourself and ask questions
