L5 Operations Apprentice Review
at BAE Systems
Higher Level Apprenticeship
Aeronautical and Aerospace Engineering
Portsmouth
Review Submitted: March 2025
Overall Rating
4.9 /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!
4.5/5
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Overview of Role
5/5
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Skills Development
5/5
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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
On my programme, we do rotations every six months across different facets of the business, and my day-to-day is depending on where I am in the business. This includes data management, meeting scheduling, meetings, running reports and being on hand for any task the unit I'm in may need.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
5/5
I love working at BAE, I feel so supported and everyone I have come into contact with really is invested in the journey I am doing whilst doing my apprenticeship and supportive of getting exposure to see facets of the business I might enjoy so I can make the most of my learning opportunities.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
5/5
BAE has helped me grow both personally and professionally - prior to my apprenticeship I had experience managing teams, but it was in a much less structured environment. BAE have helped me gain professional confidence through being asked to lead meetings to pushing my pre-existing comfort zone by helping me do things I did not think I could do.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
5/5
Very organised - I go to HSDC once a week for my CMI Level 5, and work the other four days. I meet with my advisor from HSDC once a month, with early careers employees internally in the business also checking to see that my wellbeing is okay and that my placements are delivering.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
5/5
Quite a lot! We have an internal Skills Coach who checks on our Off the Job as well as if we're struggling in placement, wellbeing reviews, checking in on if anything big has happened which may be affecting work etc. I have never felt so supported in employment before.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
5/5
A lot! I meet with my lecturer for my CMI L5 once a week for a face-to-face lesson, and she is fantastic for any help with assignments. I also meet with my advisor once a month who helps me put together examples for my portfolio and what KSBs I am hitting.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
5/5
My qualification has helped me massively so far during my time at work, as it's helped me be able to reframe and see problems that arise at work differently and being able to frame change in a more positive way.
Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)
5/5
BAE offer lots of training opportunities, as well as charity events and networking opportunities.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend BAE Systems to a friend?
Yes
Why?
BAE is fantastically supportive and very welcoming to new apprentices, especially if you have little to no professional experience. There is no such thing as a stupid question, and everyone strives for the best for you.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to BAE Systems?
Be yourself! Be inquisitive and curious and ask as many questions as you feel like you need to.
