Nuclear Engineer - Degree Apprentice Review
at BAE Systems
Degree Apprenticeship
Engineering
Barrow-in-Furness
Review Submitted: April 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
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Overview of Role
5/5
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Skills Development
3.6/5
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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
A range of different placements covering a range of the nuclear industry. With many interactions inside and outside the company. Placements are varied and diverse from nuclear safety to manufacture to quality control and more there is plenty the company allows us to get involved in and feel like our time is helpful and well spent. Even when there are issues which rarely happens there is plenty of contacts within the business that can help.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
4/5
Considering it like any job, it feels like you make a difference if you are willing to put the work in. The flexible hours can really go a long way. Long days and shorter days like any other job but overall it is very enjoyable.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
5/5
Yes, plenty of opportunities for training with plenty of directions for training which does not feel overwhelming with university work on top.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
4/5
The people in charge of the programme have done a good job making sure the course is well organised and listen to any concerns you may have. Speaking to friends who have gone elsewhere for their apprenticeships I know it is not always very organised. Considering the scale of the programme I am not sure how to restructure it in a way that would leave everyone better off.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
3/5
Flexible hours and other things really go a long way to support most reasonable things you could ask for. Generally open to feedback and do generally make changes to help those who make get into a similar situations again at least to a point I don't think most employers would be the same.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
3/5
Dedicated university days once a week, plenty of people further along on the course or sometimes outside of it more than willing to explain key concepts / topics. Flexibility to book time off when assignments and exams are drawing close with myself never having any issues.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
4/5
It can often depend on the role you are based in for that particular course at the time. For example Engineering principles module is great for design and support based roles and nuclear legislation modules helps more towards being part of the safety case or nuclear assurance teams. The overall feeling is by the end of the qualification it will help all relevant roles to the nuclear side of the business.
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
Social events are ran relatively often especially near holidays. There is plenty people interested in a range of hobbies with dedicated groups to them such as biking, running, hiking. With many sports activities such as rock climbing, badminton, football etc. With other groups dedicated to dnd and tabletop games I believe most people will be able to find at least something they are interested in.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend BAE Systems to a friend?
Yes
Why?
I think it's been a great opportunity with people all over the country I have not felt like I stood out not being a local and with anyone with an interest in nuclear submarines I think it's a great challenging opportunity.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to BAE Systems?
Especially if you aren't from the area it would be worthwhile setting up some sort of group chats with other members as you meet them as social activities outside of work can help time pass easier while you are still getting settled. The rental market can also be a little challenging so very worth getting you name in early or looking at house-sharing with other apprentices.
