Project Control Degree Apprentice Review
at BAE Systems
Degree Apprenticeship
Project Management
Preston
Review Submitted: April 2025
Overall Rating
4.2 /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
3.8/5
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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:
4/5
As a project control apprentice, I have 5 different placements which change every year. These placements vary across the business in areas such as finance, governance, project management and scheduling. I am accountable to run my own projects within my area, with line manager support. I collaborate with many different stakeholders internally and externally over a wider range of functions including quality, logistics, shipping, facilities, procurement and tooling.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
4/5
I enjoy the programme quite a lot as I am challenged daily with roles and responsibilities, with the support and guidance to help me from early careers and my placement team. I have been able to expand my network with other apprentices, colleagues and mentors. I have been very lucky to be able to travel and explore great opportunities as part of my role. I believe I have expanded my personal and professional development with expanded skills, knowledge and behaviours.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
5/5
I have learnt a lot! I have developed existing skills such as communication, collaboration, leadership and accountability, as I have been responsible for running my own projects. I have also developed new skills in finance, data analysis, scheduling, governance controls and risk and management skills. I have developed these skills whilst moving around the business in different areas and different projects, gaining valuable experience every time.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
4/5
Over the past couple of years, there has been a few gaps in the organisation due to natural factors, such as staff tenure, changing policies and the apprenticeship & degree developing. However, overall the apprenticeship has been well organised with apprentice support, early careers and 1 on 1 coaching. I will experience more as I start to go through the EPA process.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
4/5
The support I have received has always been great - I personally love the support from my skills coach who has looked after me for 3 years and will continue to do so for the next 2 years. The quarterly learner reviews help to keep both early careers and my placement team on the same page and see any gaps within my development. The early careers team really help where possible for any issues or problems we may experience.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
3/5
Personally, I have struggled with the support received from the training provider as it has been quite slow on some occasions and tutors have changed frequently. However, recently we have been able to keep the same tutor and this has improved the experience and support greatly. 1-1 feedback session are extremely useful and the flexibility of the sessions really gives learns an advantage. Communication has also increased and I feel confident to provide feedback as the university rep.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
4/5
The information we receive during our university lectures is very heavy, sometimes it can be difficult to understand what information is useful and when. However, as the assignments are completed and modules are finished, I feel more confident within my role as I have the background information to start from.
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
There are loads of activities and social events - it is very easy to get involved with networking events or social team days/nights. When I first joined the company, I was invited to different events and introduced to different clubs that are run by apprentices. These events helped me gain friends as well as confidence.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend BAE Systems to a friend?
Yes
Why?
As an apprentice I always recommend the company to people I know - the benefits, pay and opportunities really outweigh any other company or university course in my eyes, especially for young people. I started at age 18 and was put in a position financially and professionally that I didn't think I would be able to at that age. The support, networks and opportunities are huge and you can build your own career within the organisation. When I have experienced issues, there have been many routes for me to raise and find a solution. I have been able to travel across the UK and abroad within my different roles and feel really lucky to be given the opportunity.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to BAE Systems?
I would recommend to think about what career you would like to have - BAES offer so many different roles and routes that anything is possible. Once you are in the company you are looked after and can build your own career and maybe find something you never thought you would like - so be open minded.
