Digital and Technology Cyber Security Apprentice Review
at BAE Systems
Degree Apprenticeship
Computer Science
Yorkshire, UK
Review Submitted: March 2025
Overall Rating
3.5 /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!
4.5/5
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Overview of Role
4/5
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Skills Development
2.6/5
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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
I am a engineering apprentices so my day to day varies on the project I'm working on. Some days I will be in meetings, listening to what the team are doing or shadowing my boss to experience the work he does, or I'll be at my desk working on tasks that I need to deliver or mix of both. Currently I am in the early stages of a project so am looking into what requirements we should add, what the future of the project is and in which direction we want it heading into. It is a wild range of things so no two days are the same, and I get to experience learning new things every day.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
5/5
I enjoy my time at work a lot, everyone at site is absolutely lovely and have been so welcoming. Not being the most technically strong, they are always willing to teach me and always keep an eye out for me. I am enjoying carrying out tasks that lead to contribution in my team, making me feel very proud.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
4/5
Yes, I've been implementing a lot of the learning that I learn at A-levels into real-life scenarios and being able to carry the learning out. Some skills I've learnt have been highly technically like using automation in coding, while others may be simple as how to create an effective power point. I've also learnt a range of communication skills, and processes of the company - so for example if I want to do something, what documentation do I need to complete, is there someone I need to converse with.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
2/5
The programme could be better structured, it does feel like you have to organise yourself quite a bit and can be difficult to know who you need to go to for guidance at times. There is definitely a gap between the learning providers and the company so being able to organise the both and have them in sync can be difficult.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
4/5
I think I get the support from my employer as I need. If I have had any issues or worries, they have been great at getting them addressed. The co-workers are also great, being a younger female at work, they have never made me feel awkward or uncomfortable.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
1/5
Enough for sure - our skills coach is wonderful and provides us with as much help as she can give but most time she doesn't have the knowledge to help us so we can be sent on a wild goose chase trying to get the support we need. The training provider severely lacks in giving clear guidance at times.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
1/5
Not very much - majority of the learning that I apply from my training provider is through either personal learning or past learning at A-levels. Even when being taught something at University, the application of the learning is very difficult as it doesn't align with what general office practises are.
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 definietly are a lot, we have the early career council which includes graduates and apprentices who host engineering, project management and range of other networking events with speakers from around the company. Also last few years, for our site I've been hosting socials at the local pubs to encourage everyone to meet up to socialise and have a chat which have been great fun!
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend BAE Systems to a friend?
Yes
Why?
I believe it is a great company to work with either an apprentice or just a normal employee. Apprenticeship alone has a loads of advantages and perks but as such a big company their so many career growth opportunities, the community and people are lovely and they do look after you as an employee.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to BAE Systems?
I would say do your research about the company and work out if this is a company for you - many of the apprentices I've met don't fit in as they never researched to see if they would work well in this environment. If BAE is right for you, then explain why, in interviews portray your personality and your passions - they are not expecting you to be experts in the slightest - show your willingness to learn. Use the STAR method to make sure that you have conveyed your points clearly and be yourself!
