Caulker Apprentice Review
at BAE Systems
Level 2 Apprenticeship
Construction
Barrow-in-Furness
Review Submitted: April 2025
Overall Rating
4.4 /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
-
Overview of Role
5/5
-
Skills Development
4.2/5
-
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
I am a caulker apprentice so day to day i will be given different jobs. There are 3 aspects to my job: Grinding, OxyFuel Cutting/Burning and Gouging. Day to day i will be accompanied by a fully qualified tradesman and we will complete jobs together taking turns and I will learn and pick up skills along the way.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
3/5
I enjoy my job as a apprentice caulker although it can cause a lot of stress to the body because of what i do like overhead grinding for example which consists of holding a grinder (about 5kg) over your head and grinding away metal welding, this can sometimes last a whole shift (12.35 hours). But i enjoy learning new things in my trade and i love the burning side of my job that isnt as much of a strain on the body. The apprenticeship is good and comes with a lot of benefits that other small businesses wouldnt be able to provide but i wish there was more of a monitored training plan.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
5/5
I have obviously learned my trade skills but i have also improved my communication skills and confidence with various tooling. My DIY skills have significantly improved at home because i have a hands on job. I have also learned a lot about health and safety. I have also been provided with multiple training courses for thing such as working at heights, confined spaces and gas safety.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
3/5
My program could be more organised i wish there was a set training plan once you have got out of the initial training school, I have heard bits and pieces about a training plan coming in but nothing has officially happened yet. But on the theory side of things it is very well structured with set deadlines.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
5/5
I am fully supported by my employer and have been given various places to call or communicate with whether that's for mental health, addictions or just asking for help with a job.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
5/5
Same as last answer i am fully supported by my training provider when working toward a qualification
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
4/5
The qualification i'm working towards definitely help towards my role because they are apart of my job day to day apart from one sector.
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 is definitely social activities planned by the work force like having a get together or a 'Christmas do'. But nothing actually planned by the business.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend BAE Systems to a friend?
Yes
Why?
It offers a lot of benefits like a good pension, cycle to work scheme, free shares in the company, shift pay (3 12 hour days a week with a 20% bonus), bonuses for meeting deadlines (yearly) and much more.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to BAE Systems?
Research your job before applying and ask yourself if you'd be willing to do it for life because the opportunity is there with BAE SYSTEMS.
