Manufacturing Engineer Apprentice, Technical Apprentices Review
at BAE Systems
Level 3 Apprenticeship
Manufacturing
Barrow-in-Furness
Review Submitted: April 2025
Overall Rating
3.1 /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!
3/5
-
Overview of Role
4/5
-
Skills Development
2.6/5
-
Structure and Support
Overview of Role
Please give an overview of your role and what this involves on a day-to-day basis:
4/5
I am in Build Line Support. On a day-to-day basis I create Manufacturing Instructions, Create Storyboards, Problem Solve, Create and Present PFMEA, etc.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
2/5
The apprentice programme for manufacturing engineering apprentices itself was quite unorganised and unclear. We were never sure what we needed to get done and when. However some of this was down to Furness College. I also believe the apprenticeship enjoyment what also down to what placements you were given, which was unfairly chosen as some people were given a diverse set of placements and others given the same types.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
4/5
I have developed skills in submarine manufacture, knowing different manufacturing terms and different components of the submarine makeup. I have also increased my confidence in talking and calling people.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
2/5
Not very. Due to constant changes in skills coaches. we were given 4 skills coaches over 3 years. as well as function being unorganised when it came down to our level of apprenticeship. however recently due to new employees a lot has improved, we have a new function lead who makes a large effort in helping us understand the structure and our most recent skills coach has gone above and beyond to help us.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
4/5
My most recent skills coach has been incredibly helpful however that is the only contact we receive from early careers unless something is wrong. my line manager is very supportive.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
1/5
Furness College was very unhelpful, unorganised, and we had numerous lesson without tutors turning up. Depending on the tutor given depended on how well you were taught.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
2/5
I believe it helps with the practical side of my job as I spent a lot of time in the workshop when I was in college.
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
yes, currently I am a STEM Ambassador.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend BAE Systems to a friend?
Yes
Why?
even though the apprenticeship scheme has been quite confusing and unorganised, I have met lots of new and nice people and we are paid well.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to BAE Systems?
Apply for something you have some interest in.
