Software Engineering Degree Apprentice Review
at BAE Systems
Degree Apprenticeship
Software Engineering
Warton, Carnforth, UK
Review Submitted: March 2025
Overall Rating
3.2 /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
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:
3/5
Working on various software-related tasks, such as tool research, software requirements gathering, design, implementation, integration, and testing.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
3/5
The experience is up-and-down depending on your team, manager, and general work flow. I've been in teams where there is almost no work available and it kills your motivation, but I've also been in teams where there was plenty of challenging but achievable work that felt rewarding.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
4/5
I've developed my knowledge of software tools and languages I was already familiar with, and have gained a basic understanding of many more, ranging from languages such as ADA and VBA to proprietary, licensed tools and products such as Pitch's pRTI and the Hadean simulation platform.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
3/5
The structure is simple, we move around different teams/departments for 6-7 month placements and have our progress assessed by the Early Careers team every ~10 weeks. Our final year is one long placement where we can optionally be provided a project that we can use for our university dissertations.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
3/5
Support from the Early Careers team is easily available, but occasionally it feels like they're not really that helpful. Any big issues or changes that need actioning immediately will take a while to be resolved, but that's just the nature of large companies.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
1/5
I am dissatisfied with a lot of the tutors/lecturers I've had during my time at UCLan. I think for the 12 modules and 20+ tutors/lecturers I've had, I found maybe 3 or 4 of them at all helpful. I often have to just teach myself the content.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
3/5
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 some extra-curriculars, I think we have a football team, but I don't hear much about it. Some teams will have social/networking gatherings each month, some never will. There are plenty of stretch assignments and extra projects to get involved in.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend BAE Systems to a friend?
Yes
Why?
While the quality/amount varies by team, some of the work can be very rewarding. The salary is good, the pension and share schemes are good, the opportunity to work hybrid or remotely is a huge selling point. The job security is also very good - Particularly if you're in the union.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to BAE Systems?
Join the union, be sociable with your colleagues even if you don't like all of them, admit it to your boss when you're struggling with a task and either ask for help or just for a new task.
