Space Systems Engineer Apprentice Review
at BAE Systems
Degree Apprenticeship
Engineering
Alton GU34, UK
Review Submitted: April 2025
Overall Rating
3.8 /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
3.4/5
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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
My role changes every six months due to rotating placements around different departments. Generally, it involves spending some time self-learning via subject relevant textbooks or online guides and tutorials relevant to the placement, such as learning to use a PCB design software using a YouTube video tutorial. I will also spend time shadowing more senior engineers as they work on various projects. Occasionally, I will be given the opportunity to complete my own independent work. As the placement progresses and my learning and experience increases, I am given more independence and more interesting tasks.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
4/5
I have thoroughly enjoyed my programme thus far. It has been challenging and informative. At times, I have felt a little overwhelmed by the wealth of knowledge and skills yet to be gained but that challenge makes the experience rewarding and fulfilling. I have greatly appreciated the opportunity to combine on-the-job learning with university degree studies though would value a little more cohesion between the two - at the moment, content covered is extremely different with little overlap.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
4/5
The greatest skill that I have learnt so far is 'learning how to learn' in the context of engineering: learning how I can gain new knowledge in an efficient and comprehensive manner via reading documentation, looking over schematics and asking the right people at the right time. My communication skills have also increased as I work closely with other members of the team and keeping them updated on project progress is vital.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
3/5
The overall structure of the programme exists. It is, however, the very first time that this programme is taking place and, thus, there are some teething issues, mainly with timing incompatibilities. Important lectures have to be missed to make time for office work and university work is onerous such that it must be completed after hours every day despite senior staff members encouraging us not to do this.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
3/5
Pastoral support from my employer is extensive and extremely helpful - I highly value this. Support terms of the content of the course is minimal, though this seems deliberately so as we are tasked we self-learning and finding our own individual ways of progressing through the course. It is also understandable given the current time when the majority of the office is working towards strict deadlines and delivering products.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
4/5
Both pastoral and academic content support from the training provider is considerable and appreciated. Unfortunately, given the fact we are in the office - and, therefore, not on campus - four days a week, it is challenging to make use of those support services sometimes. When utilised, however, they are helpful and informative, sometimes even essential.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
3/5
There are some foundational skills, such as using an oscilloscope or learning how to read datasheets that apply to both sides of the course (office work and university degree). In terms of content, however, I have found little overlap so far. This increases significantly the breadth of the content learnt throughout the average week but there is a sense that I could have been better prepared for the office work via the three months during which we attended university full-time.
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
The office vibe is excellent, welcoming and diverse and, as a result, I have been excited to be a part of groups such as the office football team and take part in events such as games nights. I have also appreciated the opportunity to attend careers events on behalf of the company and network with other apprentices who I might not ordinarily meet. We even had a full week to travel to the countryside and spend time working on team building and leadership qualities which I found invaluable and thoroughly enjoyable. There is a wealth of 'extra-curriculars' available to you at the company which can be rewarding to get involved in and I am very appreciative of this.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend BAE Systems to a friend?
Yes
Why?
The course offered and the ability to gain a strong degree while being paid cannot be understated. I feel highly fortunate to have been granted this opportunity and am doing my best to make the most of it. The company is inclusive and diverse and, thus far, I have found it an enjoyable and fulfilling place to work. The work itself is rewarding and you really feel part of a wider team working towards an enriching product. While the work can be difficult at times, I have relished the challenge and feel appreciated for my efforts.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to BAE Systems?
Be prepared for a challenge. This course is more difficult than a regular full-time degree course and is comparable to working while gaining a part-time degree. There is, however, support available to you which you should make use of but be prepared to invest time and energy into executing the required work to a high standard. It is perhaps a cliché to simply say 'make the most of it' but you will find a strong correlation between your input and output which can be pressuring at times but is also very rewarding.
