Engineering Manufacturing Technician Apprentice Review
at BAE Systems
Higher Level Apprenticeship
Aeronautical and Aerospace Engineering
Samlesbury
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!
3/5
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Overview of Role
3/5
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Skills Development
3.8/5
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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:
3/5
My day to day activities have varied depending on my placements. I am currently in my exit role. My job is to take in CAD various customers and optimise best for the manufacturing method. I also help with build line support related tasks such as keep fault trackers up to date. I manage the manufacturing of the part/s through conducting manufacturing checks.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
3/5
There were some placements that were challenging due to the lack of work available. I tend to find the work load is generally low and slow paced.
However, there have been a few projects I have worked on which I have found very valuable and rewarding.
However, there have been a few projects I have worked on which I have found very valuable and rewarding.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
3/5
I have primarily developed my CAD Skills through using various software packages. I have also developed my general engineering knowledge.
I have also developed soft skills such as communication & public speaking.
I have also developed soft skills such as communication & public speaking.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
3/5
Its fairly organised. I've not had an issue with organisation of placements like some others have. Only issue was the communication of our exit date wasn't very clear. Would really benefit to have a timeline / chart given at the start of our apprenticeship with dates of rotation, learner progress review, pay reviews, and EPA date...
How much support do you receive from your employer?
4/5
Early careers are very supportive. When asking questions the early careers team are very happy to help.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
5/5
Early careers are very supportive when it comes to college work. I have experienced no issues.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
2/5
The qualification I achieved and my current job role aren't exactly aligned. Would have been better to do a manufacturing engineering course instead of aerospace engineering. However, there are some core knowledge and engineering principles I picked up throughout my college course which have helped.
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
There are lots of extra curricular activities to get involved in at BAE. I've got involved in the departments golf outings. As an apprentice you are required to complete outward bound which is 5 days in the lakes completing various team building activities.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend BAE Systems to a friend?
Yes
Why?
The flexibility you get from flexitime provides great work life balance. The salary and shares scheme are great. BAE is a very supportive employer.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to BAE Systems?
Really research the company, look at new technologies and functions within the business and demonstrate how your experiences and examples can add value to that.
