Supply Chain Higher Apprentice Review
at BAE Systems
Higher Level Apprenticeship
Purchasing and Supply
Portsmouth
Review Submitted: March 2025
Overall Rating
4.1 /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
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Overview of Role
4/5
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Skills Development
3.8/5
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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
Working with our suppliers to raise RFQs and POs for the projects I work on in the business. To make sure that these materials and services I purchase arrive on time and in full.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
4/5
I do enjoy the apprenticeship programme at BAE Systems because I have found it beneficial to have the opportunity to work in different teams around the business. This has benefitted me through getting to know the business and gain a better understanding of what Supply Chain based teams do for the business.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
4/5
I have learned how to communicate with our suppliers so that we can work together in the most efficient way and deliver results for our customers. I have developed my computer skills through the use of different programmes we use in the business.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
4/5
I would say the Supply Chain programme is structured well by having monthly calls with our tutors to discuss what I have learned in my placements and if I have any concerns about anything. We also discuss what progress has been made on working towards our qualification with CIPS.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
4/5
I would say we do receive very good support on the Supply Chain programme as we are able to reach out to our Line Managers and Skills Coaches easily and they are very good at helping us if we have any problems or queries we might experience.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
3/5
I would say the support we receive from CIPS is good, we have access to different materials that help us with our study and exam prep. I would say that sometimes they are not the best at responding to questions we might have, but on the whole CIPS do provide good support.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
4/5
I feel the qualification through CIPS has helped me to perform in role by giving me the knowledge that Supply Chain Professionals use on a day-day basis so that I am better equipped to understand what is being discussed and able to contribute more effectively.
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 extra curricular activities that we are able to get involved. An example of this would be there is a monthly social event where each month the apprentices organise an activity outside of work to help with networking with other apprentices across the business. This ranges from going bowling, paintballing, cinema or out for a meal.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend BAE Systems to a friend?
Yes
Why?
Before I applied to BAE I had heard through people I know who have worked at BAE that it is a great company to work for, especially the apprenticeship scheme. I have found that to be the case and would highly recommend to anyone to apply for an apprenticeship role at BAE Systems, especially the Supply Chain Programme.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to BAE Systems?
I would say do a bit of research into the business beforehand as this will give you a better understanding of what work BAE do and if it is something that you would be interested in.
