Commercial Higher Apprentice Review
at BAE Systems
Higher Level Apprenticeship
Legal/Law
Barrow-in-Furness
Review Submitted: April 2025
Overall Rating
3.5 /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!
3.5/5
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Overview of Role
4/5
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Skills Development
3/5
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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
My role includes the drafting, bidding and negotiation of contracts on behalf of BAE. My day to day includes: meetings in regards to different Bids and team requirements, drafting contractual documents and getting involved with various STRETCH activities. I have dedicated study days which include learning and revision of content, making revision resources, completing KSBs and the occasional Tutor session.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
3/5
I enjoy my apprenticeship. I have a good team who support me when and where they can. It can be hard to be autonomous when being an apprentice who has come from study and now is heavily monitored. However, there is the positive of having many contacts who help and guide me whenever i need them.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
4/5
I have learned how an office environment operates and the conduct associated with it which is a beneficial skill to learn early on in your career. Additionally I have developed my communication skill as my role requires strong communication skills. I have learned how a large company operates differently to most other companies.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
3/5
The BAE aspect of my programme is well structured and provides great exposure to the Company and working life. It can be difficult however to balance work and study when there is a lack of communication between college and the company. However, this is mitigated through extra allocated study time when necessary, although it would be better if college liaised more with BAE.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
4/5
My employer provides multiple streams of support f to me. I have multiple points of contact whether it be for work related issues, mental health or physical health. We have 1-1 meetings with our line managers, placement managers and early career coaches to address any potential concerns but also praise good work.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
2/5
I feel my training provider provides a minimum amount of support. I have 1 or 2 sessions roughly every two months which with the amount of content it is difficult to keep up. It is required to complete KSBs however through lack of communication my training provider has not taken into consideration how and when apprentices are to complete the tasks they set. In an 8 hour allocated training time there is an expectation to revise, complete KSB tasks, extra learning and attend sessions which does not seem maintainable and they have offered little support when issues have arisen with this.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
2/5
In regards to my role commercially a procurement qualification has little relevance to my job. Some of the modules such as negotiation are relevant and can be implemented however majority are not and it is difficult to meet KSBs for a supply chain qualification when your role is commercial.
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
I am involved in the apprentice council of BAE. We aim to get apprentices involved with events, activities and pass on information specifically aimed at apprentices. The company holds multiple networking events each year which i will be attending this year.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend BAE Systems to a friend?
Yes
Why?
BAE are a great company who practice a good work-life balance, support young people in entering the working world and the beginning of their careers. They provide many benefits whilst being apart of their company which helps people feel content and happy with their working lives as BAE not only benefits their life in work but also the life they have outside of work too.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to BAE Systems?
Be yourself. Don't be afraid to show off your achievements and how your brain works as they are constantly looking for innovation and your way of thinking might be it. Ask questions about life at BAE and what day to day would look like.
