Degree Apprentice - Engineer Review
at BAE Systems
Degree Apprenticeship
Engineering
Barrow-in-Furness
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!
2.5/5
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Overview of Role
2/5
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Skills Development
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:
2/5
For my current and previous apprenticeship placements within barrow, the work as been heavily admin based with little to no technical work opportunities which can be very tedious at times. A lot of placements work on a hybrid in office, work from home basis.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
3/5
I like my colleague, my cohort and the support that is provided. I am disappointed with the lack of what I would consider engineering opportunities, sometimes placements aren't prepared for apprentices to join their team so don't have many tasks ready.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
2/5
I've learn't a lot about how company systems work, how documents are processed and new academia though nothing technically interesting that you would expect from an engineering apprenticeship.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
5/5
There is a clear plan, you are told exactly what is expected of you and if at any point you are unsure, there are many resources and staff to help. The whole programme is outlined very clearly.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
5/5
There is no lack of support, from your placement, early careers and also from the college. I can't fault the extensive support that I've had since starting.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
4/5
Unfortunately there is limited contact hours with the college/university, this does make it difficult though all the course content is readily available on CANVAS. There is a lot of additional support available from the college if requested.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
3/5
I feel they are two separate parts of the apprenticeship, the tasks involved in both are too different to find similarities. Maybe the qualification deepen my understanding for engineering principles.
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 no regular social activities or clubs that are linked to the apprenticeship, throughout the year there are events to attend to catch up with everyone. Outward bounds week is a part of the apprenticeship which is a good opportunity to connect with your cohort. To summarise there is nothing regular but there are events throughout the year and apprentices do make an effort to meet up outside the apprenticeship.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend BAE Systems to a friend?
Yes
Why?
Free degree, work experience, enough pay to live independently (especially for an apprentice) increasing yearly, interesting work opportunities if you choose the right placements, great support, a lot of like other apprentices who will be looking to make friends especially if relocating. A lot of apprentices from different backgrounds and ages so no one will feel like the odd one out.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to BAE Systems?
Put as much effort as possible into every single stage of the application process and prepare for the interview stage.
