Combat System Degree Apprentice Review
at BAE Systems
Degree Apprenticeship
Software Engineering
Portsmouth
Review Submitted: May 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
4/5
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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
My role is to perform code updates to a specific area of the system. This system will eventually be used by the Royal Navy. This involves working using an agile methodology and pair programming to help share knowledge and speed up development. In the team we use Azure DevOps to create pull requests and perform code reviews to ensure good change management and control.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
4/5
This programme has allowed me to develop my software engineering skills, and to put into practice the methods and techniques I have learned from the sessions at university. This has meant that I have felt confident when entering a new team as I was already familiar with some concepts after learning about them previously. This has helped me to enjoy my programme and limited the effects of imposter syndrome.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
4/5
I have developed my understanding of the software development lifecycle through its inclusion in my daily work. I have also learned a lot about the programming languages we use for the project (primarily rust) and the reasons as to why this language is beneficial for the project I am working on. I have also developed my team working skills as there is a lot of collaborative work as everyone has skills and knowledge in different areas of the system.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
3/5
As I was the first year to do this programme with my university there were some organisation issues as the layout of the timetable and sessions was somewhat experimental. However, they have seemed to take on any feedback we provided and have adapted the structure to fit the wants and needs of the apprentices. As the apprenticeship has progressed I have seen the changes that have been made both by the university and the workplace and believe that the organisation has improved significantly and should not cause any major problems to incoming apprentices.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
4/5
My employer is supportive and they acknowledge that as an apprentice we may have limited knowledge and will complete tasks at a slower pace as we get up to speed. Every team I have been in has been open to having discussion on which areas I would like to work in and how best I can apply my skills, this has allowed me to expand my understanding at my own pace and be involved in exciting projects.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
4/5
My employer is understanding that time must be dedicated towards study as well as my work within the business. If I have ever needed more time (due to an upcoming deadline or needing to attend a meeting) I have always been encouraged to ask for this time and only in extreme circumstances would this request ever be denied. My employer encourages me to focus on my studies when required, but I must also ensure that my normal work is either complete or can be handed over if it is a time critical task.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
4/5
The studying for my qualification has allowed me both explore the general area of computer science and go deeper into the specifics of software engineering. Not all activities undertaken in the university sessions will directly link to the placements I have been in but the cross-over is sufficient and helps to give perspective on how a system similar to what I may be working on could be created and updated.
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 frequent opportunities for social outings, which can either be solely early careers or can be organised by the team you are working in. There are good ways in which to network and make friends and are held nearby a variety of offices so if the next event is not near you, there will be one closer in the future.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend BAE Systems to a friend?
Yes
Why?
BAE Systems has been very supportive towards my development in the start of my career. There may be a steep learning curve in the first few months due to the security requirements involved in the business and the complexities of the systems we work on, but it does become easier and you can quickly feel embedded in any team you are placed with.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to BAE Systems?
Learn some information (from what is available) about the business and what we work on. This will make your introduction into the business a lot smoother and will allow you to get to the more practical aspects of your role with a greater sense of confidence. Also try to ask existing employees what they think of the company so you can get a better idea if BAE is right for you, as due to it being a defence company it can be hard to get the details you are looking for in certain circumstances.
