Combat Systems Graduate Apprentice Review
at BAE Systems
Degree Apprenticeship
Engineering
Glasgow
Review Submitted: March 2025
Overall Rating
4.3 /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
-
Overview of Role
5/5
-
Skills Development
3.6/5
-
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
6 month rotation between different placements. Some are hands on with the ships in the yard, some are based in the earlier stages of the design process and are more computer based. This rotation allows us to gain experience in the multiple different combat systems implemented.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
5/5
I am enjoying this programme tremendously.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
5/5
My skills and knowledge specific to my job role have been significantly improved already. I know much more about ships in general than before, never mind specifics around the systems we get to work on.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
5/5
There are only 5 of us and we are managed very well with obvious points of contact.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
3/5
I have not needed to rely on this too much, however we have obvious points of contact in university and work.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
4/5
The course on Strathclyde University is essentially entirely online, with the odd university day once every 4 weeks or so. The learning programme is well laid out online and easy to work through linearly, it just takes lots of time.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
4/5
So far we have learnt about the design process in depth which I could see parallels between. We also have a subject that is designed to help us towards future chartership by filling in our log books.
Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)
2/5
Unsure.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend BAE Systems to a friend?
Yes
Why?
A graduate apprenticeship is a no brainer, especially when compared to University. It gives me structure in my life, as well as long term goals with a clear career path.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to BAE Systems?
Learn about the different phases of ship design and which stage each ship we are involved in is at. Going to university or college for a year or two could be the difference is you have applied before and been unsuccessful.
