Apprentice Engineer Review
at BAE Systems
Degree Apprenticeship
Computer Science, Data Analysis, Cyber Security, Software Engineering
Cranfield, Bedford MK43, UK
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!
3.5/5
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Overview of Role
5/5
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Skills Development
2.6/5
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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
Changing projects every 3 months, given a new role within that project, so far I've primarily worked as a test engineer, in automation engineering and DevOps.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
3/5
I enjoy work immensely, but I find the disorganisation of the University stressful, and the courses lacking in meaningful content.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
5/5
I had never worked with computers before starting here so everything I've learned has been new! I hadn't had any coding experience and now it's one of the main parts of my job.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
2/5
In our final year, the lectures are sparse, every time we get an assignment there is a lot of confusion as of what is actually being asked of us, and the marking is inconsistent most of the time. I find it hard to succeed despite my effort.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
5/5
A lot at work, but they are unable to make any meaningful changes to the course content, they seem just as frustrated as we are. Whenever I tell my colleagues about the assignments we've been set, they laugh. I've been told much of the course is irrelevant workwise.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
2/5
As much as they can manage, but they are unwilling to change course content when we raise concerns, and have informed us that we can not request remarks. The lecturers also seem frustrated with how the course is being run.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
1/5
I think it gives us a broad understanding of a range of topics, but nothing that would qualify me to do my role. I learn the most from being at work and learning from the other engineers.
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
We get informed about lectures and events around engineering or aerospace technology, and, as long as we can justify their relevance to our learning, the company will pay for us to attend them. We also have Christmas Dinners and depending on the team, there are after-work meetups sporadically
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend BAE Systems to a friend?
Yes
Why?
The knowledge I've learned here is invaluable, I feel if I can go from no experience to DevOps engineer in 2 years, anyone can! The pay is also good and all of my colleagues are the most interesting people I've ever met!
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to BAE Systems?
The only thing you need to succeed as an engineer is a good attitude and a thirst for knowledge. Everyone is willing to teach you if you're willing to learn, and the opportunities are endless!
