Apprentice Flight Systems Engineer Review
at BAE Systems
Degree Apprenticeship
Aeronautical and Aerospace Engineering
Preston
Review Submitted: March 2025
Overall Rating
3.3 /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
4/5
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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
I work as a fuel systems engineer, which means I am involved the architecture, safety, modelling and implementation of the fuel system. I mostly work on modelling aspects of the system in Amesim, however I also assist in documentation such as test procedures or safety analysis
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
3/5
From a work perspective, I really enjoy my programme. I have had lots of choice over my career so far and been able to gain a variety of different experience. I find the balance of work and university work very difficult due to the high demand from both perspectives, and I don't feel there is enough support from work on this.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
4/5
A key new skill I have learnt is systems modelling, which means I have been able to learn how to use a completely new software.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
2/5
The organisation has improved dramatically since I first started which is great. However, there are still significant issues in early careers surrounding organisation, such as when organising learner reviews, skills coach availability, marking and payrises
How much support do you receive from your employer?
4/5
I receive a good amount of support from both my manager and the early careers team. Everyone is responsive and happy to help with any questions, and when I have had concerns in the past I have been able to get help from the relevant person
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
1/5
Due to issues with staffing, the support has been inconsistent for any diploma and end point assessment work. I appreciate that university work is supposed to be completed outside of work, however this to me is not the best way to support students and increases stress dramatically
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
2/5
Due to poor teaching and disruptiveness from other students, I think it is difficult to learn properly from the training provider. The content that is being taught does have relevance and use at work, however it is not taught well
Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)
4/5
There are a variety of activities including stretch activities, apprentice socials, team events, networking events both with apprentices and professionals across the business
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend BAE Systems to a friend?
Yes
Why?
As such a big company, there are so many opportunities for work experience and for career progression, as well as travel opportunities. The additional benefits are also excellent, I feel like a valued employee and am well looked after by the company
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to BAE Systems?
In my opinion, the experiences you have are much more valued than A* grades. Qualifications are important, but as long as the base requirement is achieved there is much more focus on experiences that make you a good engineer
