Project Management Degree Apprentice Review
at BAE Systems
Degree Apprenticeship
Project Management
Samlesbury
Review Submitted: March 2025
Overall Rating
4.7 /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!
5/5
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Overview of Role
5/5
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Skills Development
4.4/5
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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:
5/5
Project management at BAE is very varied and dependant on your placement. Usually, PM involves lots of people-focused activities such as attending meetings, leading reviews, updating senior stakeholders and customer engagement. In my role, I have a lot of face-to-face meetings with BAE stakeholders and external/international partners.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
5/5
I thoroughly enjoy my programme. In my placement I am a trusted member of the team and have responsibilities of my own. I have been provided with opportunities to liaise with customers and to travel. University has worked well alongside my placement.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
5/5
I have developed my skills in communication, leadership, adaptability and professionalism. I have also learnt new skills in project management such as scheduling, working on contracts and most significantly communications with senior stakeholders, activity owners and international/external customers. Also, I have been able to learn many online skills.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
5/5
The programme is structured into 5 annual placements with university running alongside. On an average week, you have a full day at university every week (either online or in person). Interspersed between these are apprenticeship days where we learn more about behaviours and business ethos.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
5/5
I have always had support from skills coaches, placement managers and members of staff at the company. I really wouldn't be able to fault the support given.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
3/5
The University of Cumbria has been ok when it comes to the university side of the apprenticeship. There have been times where support has not been as strong and there have been issues with university delivery however that has improved slightly during my time in the apprenticeship.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
4/5
There are some modules which are easier to apply to your working role as they are more practical whilst others feel slightly less so. However I think all the modules have been relevant and have allowed me to develop my skills in many different areas.
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
There are many opportunities for apprentices from attending STEM events, air shows and team social events. Also, the cohort organise activities outside of work. there are also stretch activities to get involved in during your apprenticeship
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend BAE Systems to a friend?
Yes
Why?
BAE is a lifetime career. They have a lot of passion for early careers development and supplying opportunities for apprentices to be involved in exciting events and placements. If you are an ambitious and proactive person, you can really thrive in the apprenticeship whilst earning a very competitive salary!
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to BAE Systems?
Make sure you read up on the BAE systems behaviours before your interviews. You need to make sure that you are emphasising how you have shown those behaviours and that you are willing to continue this in your apprenticeship. Also, be honest and real during the whole process.
