Senior Commissioning Engineer Review
at BAE Systems
Higher Level Apprenticeship
Engineering, Electronic and Electrical Engineering
Barrow-in-Furness
Review Submitted: April 2025
Overall Rating
2.1 /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
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Overview of Role
3/5
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Skills Development
2.2/5
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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:
2/5
Commissioning the next generation of submarines for use within the Royal Navy. My role involves both working on the Astute and Dreadnought platform energising and commissioning various systems. Additionally, I am responsible for drafting testing documentation which the company will utilise to test to moving forwards.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
4/5
I personally have enjoyed the HNC thus far at Blackpool. The course content is mostly good and interesting. We have had a variety of lecturers over the last 2 years which have been of varying quality however the overall teaching experience has been excellent.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
3/5
Yes I have learnt many new skills since working with BAE systems, having been sent on a variety of courses over the last 3 years.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
2/5
I believe that the Course could do with some better structuring when looking at the PLC and Automation aspect of it.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
1/5
Absolutely nothing. With this apprenticeship the company appear to have no clue how it runs and have not been interested in supporting us through it at all.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
4/5
The college have always been there for me to support me throughout, the lecturers are responsive the vast majority of the time.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
3/5
Gaining this qualification will give me some more confidence to perform my role. I believe that attaining my degree will boost this further and propel me further within 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.)
1/5
Absolutely nothing. I would love to be able to do more STEM Ambassadorship through my work but my department has not been supportive of it.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend BAE Systems to a friend?
Yes
Why?
I would recommend BAE Systems to my friends however I would tell them not to join Test and Commissioning, as currently the environment needs to change somewhat to make it a more satisfying place to work.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to BAE Systems?
Apply for jobs slightly out of your comfort zone, do as much research into the team you're joining as possible. Study STAR interview responses.
