HR Apprentice Review
at BAE Systems
Higher Level Apprenticeship
Human Resources
Preston
Review Submitted: April 2025
Overall Rating
4.8 /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!
5/5
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Overview of Role
5/5
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Skills Development
4.6/5
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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:
5/5
In our 2 year apprenticeship we undergo 4 6 month placements, I have had the privilege of completing a one year placement in Employee Relations where my day looked like meetings with the Trade Union, meeting with the businesses, working through the data behind pay negotiations, working on an all employee guide/handbook and looking at the culture of the workforce. I then have undertaken two HR business partnering roles where my days are spent answering employee queries, managing absence, working time and informal cases and in meetings working with the business to achieve our people objectives and to help tackle complex business challenges.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
5/5
I started this apprenticeship a little older having experienced a previous career and I honestly was in the mindset that no one enjoys work. However, I absolutely love my job. Everyone I work with are so supportive and I love coming into work. I no longer experience the Sunday scaries.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
5/5
The apprenticeship has really built my confidence through a supportive network in the business and in early careers. If someone would have told me the things I am doing now before I started, such as talking about my experiences to 200+ other apprenticeships or presenting new ideas to the CEOs of our businesses I would have never believed I could have done that.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
4/5
The apprenticeship is structured well and provides plenty of opportunity for development whilst also allowing your preferences to have influence on your placements as it is such a small scheme. College support us well but could be a little more organised where it comes to EPA organisation.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
5/5
I am offered so much support from the early careers team, college and mainly the people around me who are all championing my success. It is a really lovely place to be.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
4/5
We attend college once every month and have 12 week progress reviews with college and our line manager to ensure we are staying on track. College also provide HELMS support and they are amazing! You can also reach out to college outside of college days and they would be willing to help.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
5/5
I think the CIPD qualification underpins the work we do in HR and gives you access to the tools you need to ensure you are a well rounded HR professional. I also like that my qualification gave me the opportunity to network with other HR professionals in other businesses and therefore encourages sharing best practice.
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
BAE Systems Air Sector have so many opportunities to get involved in networking sessions. In the HR function we have a coffee roulette where you have the opportunity to speak to other professionals in the function, we have a mentoring and buddy system that I find really beneficial and we have numerous lunch and learns. We also do team away days in the team I am in that I really enjoy! In early careers they get us involved in VIP visits, Events from RAF sites to open days and send us on a week outward bound with other apprentices. There are also plenty of sports groups and fitness classes such as yoga on a Tuesday night.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend BAE Systems to a friend?
Yes
Why?
I just really enjoy the work I do and I feel it is a really supportive company. It also has so much internal opportunity. Once you are in you can get involved in so many different roles and functions.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to BAE Systems?
Don't be disheartened if you don't get in the first time, it is extremely competitive! Applying and continuing to try will be the best thing you can do!
