Software Engineering Degree Apprentice Review
at BAE Systems
Degree Apprenticeship
Software Engineering
Portsmouth
Review Submitted: March 2025
Overall Rating
3.7 /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!
3.5/5
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Overview of Role
3/5
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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
I work in a small team on a project that is coming towards being completed - this involves testing code scripts that have been made and investigating the results, then working to fix bugs and updating the test specifications according to what we currently use.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
3/5
I enjoy the programme a lot and I feel I am learning well with some great people around me. Sometimes I feel a bit lost and feel I am not making progress on a slow day, but overall I know I am progressing and I am achieving everything that is asked of me.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
3/5
I have developed my program testing and evaluation skills, as well as my confidence in the area of software engineering. I have also developed my communication skills by talking to new people in a professional manner to discuss with my team what I have been doing and what I need help with.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
4/5
My programme is well structured, involving working 4 days a week and either attending an online university session or an independent study day from home on the 5th day, whilst having lost of flexibility with my working hours. This allows me ample time to achieve the off-the-job hours that are necessary to complete my programme.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
4/5
I receive lots of support, having a review every 3 months to check I am on the right track, and I have bi-weekly meetings with my management to discuss how things are going and if I need any support. I can easily contact my managers and others if I need help, and there are company resources online also.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
3/5
I attend sessions bi-weekly via online video calls which provides an opportunity to ask for support, and I can also contact my training providers via Teams or email.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
3/5
So far my qualification work has mainly been introductory and so has not transferred much into my job role, though some parts (like learning Python) have helped in my job role helping me feel more confident in this.
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 opportunities for to network with other apprentices, who often participate in activities outside of work, like playing sports or going out at a weekend. I have occasionally been out to dinner with colleagues after work.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend BAE Systems to a friend?
Yes
Why?
BAE Systems is very supportive of its Early Careers employees and invests a lot into the programmes. As such a huge company, after my apprenticeship there will be opportunities for career switches whilst staying within the business if I wanted, meanwhile there are many great benefits offered by BAE, including the employee share scheme and discounts on certain brands, restaurants etc.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to BAE Systems?
Be yourself and show a great interest in the work that BAE do, and remember it is such a huge company that there are so many opportunities within the business for you to find out what you like to do.
