Apprentice Caulker Review
at BAE Systems
Level 2 Apprenticeship
Engineering
Barrow-in-Furness
Review Submitted: March 2025
Overall Rating
5 /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
5/5
-
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
Apprentice Caulker, this role entails the learning of ELK's and UPK's through college and site based theory and practical learning under the tutorage of a tradesperson when on site to progress and further skills in burning, gouging and grinding through workplace experience.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
5/5
I have enjoyed the more practical aspects since moving to on site learning but understand the class based learning aspects are also important to achieving the Level 2 engineering qualification which I managed to adapt and enabled myself to achieve the respective pass marks required.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
5/5
Since the start of the apprenticeship I have learnt to safely set up, safely check and pack away burning apparatus along with various burning disciplines on varying metal thicknesses, the changing of abrasive wheels and safety aspects when on the shop floor and around the various sites.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
5/5
I feel the programme is well organised for the most part but could have been segregated to 6 week blocks of theory based followed by 6 weeks on site learning but understand the facilities weren't in place to facilitate everyone as a whole.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
5/5
Support has been there if required but I haven't used the employers support tools and procedures thus far in my apprenticeship.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
5/5
Regular 12 week reviews are in place but If further help or assistance is needed the skills coaches are available to speak to.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
5/5
I feel the various aspects are all covered well and if an answer isn't known they will try and find the respective answer to the best of their ability which aids in the respective skills being learnt which will aid in the progression of my role.
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
Yes there are apprentice councils and other apprentice specific activities should I wish to get involved with during my apprenticeship.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend BAE Systems to a friend?
Yes
Why?
The apprenticeship programme offers a great chance at a long lasting career through work based learning but the company offers more than just a career, it offers the chance to work at various sites around the globe with a chance to experience various walks of life through their respective trades.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to BAE Systems?
Be open, honest, show a genuine interest and have the drive to progress yourself and others to do the best you possibly can.
