EDAS Aero Apprentice Review
at BAE Systems
Degree Apprenticeship
Aeronautical and Aerospace Engineering
Warton, Carnforth, UK
Review Submitted: March 2025
Overall Rating
3.6 /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
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Overview of Role
4/5
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Skills Development
3.2/5
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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:
3/5
Your role depends on what stage of the apprenticeship you are up to, and where in the business you are on placement. This can be office based working anywhere from aerodynamics to engineering management. It could also include some more hands on or physical work with simulation or testing work.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
3/5
The programme has given me the opportunity to meet a great number of new people, from all walks of life across the business. There have been some frustrating times with reduced work on placement, but overall the work is interesting and valuable. By working with STEM and having a stretch project, there have been some very exciting opportunities that are very enjoyable.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
4/5
At the start of the apprenticeship, there was the opportunity to train in electronics, CAD, fitting, business improvement and safety. Since then, some of these skills have been developed, alongside the use of many new software sets and an introduction to coding, hardware, and the opportunity to manage projects and people.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
4/5
The programme is broken down into a 5-6 month training block, which includes a team task where groups of apprentices produce a product from start to finish. Following that, there are 6 placements around the business, where apprentices can learn about different disciplines and areas of the business. The final two years are in one role, that is expected to be the position you leave the apprenticeship on.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
4/5
There is a great support network in Early Careers, if you are actively looking for that support. You will have a Capability Lead, a Skills Coach as well as general support from a wellbeing point of view. If you require support in any sense, it is only one question away at all times.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
3/5
Whilst university/college is only completed one day a week during term time, there is a good support network from different members of Blackpool and Fylde College, and BAE Systems with respect to qualifications. When completing assignments, there are multiple options for work to be reviewed prior to submission. This allows continuous improvement with each piece of work.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
3/5
The university work is directly related to the industry that BAE Systems is part of. Thus, it is common for topics and ideas to come up in a work situation. For example, there is a module at university that was based on structural testing, there are also placements available in structures. This is mirrored for other areas like aerodynamics and engineering management.
Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)
2/5
Networking events are common throughout the business to share ideas and meet people from different areas of the business. There are also opportunities to play different sports for different teams across the business, including an internal football league. It is also common for each team to organise their own social events for Christmas etc.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend BAE Systems to a friend?
Yes
Why?
There are many different apprenticeship opportunities for people in different disciplines. The work that is available can be very interesting, depending on the team or programme you are a part of. The workplace is full of different technology in certain parts, and there is the potential to see a Typhoon take off on your lunch break on any possible day. The apprenticeship is also very well paid, and there are clear routes to gain more opportunities and responsibility in your work life.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to BAE Systems?
Take the time to research the company and its goals. If you want to work for a company, you should have knowledge on the company so you are aware of what you are getting into. By having this knowledge, you show the company you want to be there and you have passion for the business. It is also important to have a passion for the area you want to go into, whether it is engineering, software, project management etc.
