EN-Apprentice Engineer-Engineer I Review
at BAE Systems
Degree Apprenticeship
Aeronautical and Aerospace Engineering
Warton, Carnforth, UK
Review Submitted: March 2025
Overall Rating
4 /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
4/5
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Skills Development
3.4/5
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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:
4/5
This apprenticeship entails a 3 month period at the Academy of Skills and Knowledge, then 6 6month placements before a 2 year exit role. Throughout which you learn skills such as networking, modelled based systems engineering, report writing as well as being exposed to different areas of the business. I am in my first placement with whom I have written requirements made models as well as attended meetings with suppliers and customers.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
5/5
I really enjoy the programme the team I work with on my first placement treats me like any other member of professional staff not just an apprentice and gives me meaningful work to do not just "apprentice tasks". All the skills coaches are really accommodating and really care about their apprentices and are willing to help in any way that they can.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
4/5
I have learnt a lot of interpersonal skills, as well as more role based skills such as report writing, mathematical, public speaking, health and safety skills in addition to building on my natural confidence. These are all tracked throughout the apprenticeship and provide a good basis for when eventually I put myself forward for professional accreditation.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
3/5
The induction process is incredibly well structured however the mini project towards the end felt a bit rushed and unstructured in places. Now we have moved into placement the work is less structured but still hits the objectives that are needed to complete the apprenticeship. The process of choosing placements felt hit and miss but had a good outcome for the majority of apprentices.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
4/5
BAE is a very supportive company that will make sure that its people are supported. I am yet to require support from the company however I know which channels I would use if I did every require any kind of support. The support is there you only need to ask.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
3/5
In terms of the level 4 qualification provided by the skills coaches there is a lot of support with various sessions being held to make sure that the objectives are hit and we all know what we are doing. However the college does not provide the same support often giving vague briefs for assignments with guidance only being given a couple weeks before the deadline.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
3/5
provides a theoretical basis that can be built upon from a practical standpoint within the workplace. In terms of correct academic writing, writing a product design specification and carrying out mathematical analysis on a system. These skills also helped us during the initial project during induction where public speaking and presenting findings was encouraged.
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 has been a plethora of social activities throughout the apprenticeship that has been a chance for teams to bond as well as the cohort bonding as well which helps improve professional working relationships. In addition to this stretch assignments have been offered for those that believe they have enough scope to take on addition responsibilities
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend BAE Systems to a friend?
Yes
Why?
Because BAE fosters a great working environment that encourages personal and professional development and make a priority of ensuring that their employees are supported sufficiently to perform their role effectively. As well as offering plenty of opportunities to get involved with areas of interest and push yourself outside of your comfort zone.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to BAE Systems?
Back yourself and make sure your passion for the area you are applying for is clear throughout your application and hopefully subsequent virtual or in person interview.
