Manufacturing Apprentice Review
at BAE Systems
Level 3 Apprenticeship
Manufacturing
Samlesbury
Review Submitted: May 2025
Overall Rating
4.6 /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!
4.5/5
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Overview of Role
4/5
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Skills Development
4.4/5
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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
The working week is usually Monday - Thursday which is great for a 3 day weekend. The only exception is bank holidays where we will then work the Friday. Monday is a college day where we are in from 7:45 - 5 and Tuesday to Thursday, I am on placement where days are 9:45 and I will work on CNC machines.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
5/5
I enjoy the program. Despite working long days compared to what I did previously, the weeks and months fly by and a six month placement can soon go by so it is important that I make the most of my time there. The flexible working hours on placement days allow me to enjoy my hobbies throughout the week and split up the long days.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
4/5
In the first year, I learned fitting, CNC machining, Manual turning, manual milling and CAD skills. In my second year and beyond, I have further developed my CNC machining skills. I have also learned the practical side of mechanical principles, Industry 4.0, CAD / CAM as well as other manufacturing subjects in college.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
3/5
Placements are usually decided a few weeks before you move and regular meetings with a skills coach are planned so that any issues regarding development can be caught before it is too late. The skills coaches are great at keeping you on track with the written workload so it does not become overwhelming at the end of the program.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
5/5
There is a lot of support available if you require. You are regularly reminded of this at you LPR (progress reviews) in case there is an issue. Information can also always be found on the internet
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
5/5
Training providers (skills coaches) are in contact with you every couple weeks which is not too often that it gets in the way but it is often enough to always have support available. They are always contactable via email or Skype
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
4/5
I feel that by speaking with previous apprentices that have been arranged by the training providers, I am able to understand what to expect on various placements and how I can get the most out of them.
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
I have joined a golf society that is open to all BAE employees across the Warton and Samlesbury site. They meet for a day once a month where they play golf and have an informal meal at the end. This is a great way to get to know people as well as a great way to get to play golf.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend BAE Systems to a friend?
Yes
Why?
It is a good place to work where apprentices are given the support they require. Placements are varied and interesting where there are no people who make apprentices feel unwelcome. The site is also a great environment to be in compared to what most people would expect from a manufacturing environment.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to BAE Systems?
Practice for the dexterity test before hand. I used a mecchano set and this gave me confidence when going for the test.
