Digital Technology and Solutions Degree Apprentice Review
at BAE Systems
Degree Apprenticeship
Data Analysis
Barrow-in-Furness
Review Submitted: May 2025
Overall Rating
4.7 /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
5/5
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Skills Development
4.6/5
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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:
5/5
As a DTS Degree Apprentice I begin my week with a Uni Day. These are paid off the job hours for study or online lectures. The rest of the week I spend on Placement under the guidance of my placement manager and get cracked on with real workplace tasks that are essential in the running of the business and delivery of the product. There is frequently a high level of responsibility which is great as it makes you feel like a crucial member of the team and a part of something bigger. We rotate placements every 6 months and do block release to university every 4 months we have online lectures between the block release.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
4/5
I enjoy my programme alot but sometimes can find the work a bit boring. The university lectures can occasionally be rather dull which is slowly being rectified BUT you can diversify your time with a range of stretch assignments which will range from outreach to schools to organising the Xmas Apprentice Ball. All the other apprentices get on well and there is a fabulous community and social atmosphere.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
5/5
General IT skills have been improved. I started the business with no IT qualifications and now they are helping me to thrive despite my lack of experience or knowledge as a whole. Skills including SQL, Excel, SAP and more.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
4/5
Very well organised. Occasionally things do slip up but it all gets resolved smoothly. Most placements have a good amount of work and well organised learning and development structure. There is always help available from the functional team if you are struggling with workload or anything. Cranfield University is not so well organised and assignments can be released at odd times. Always this is manageable and no great loss but a little frustrating
How much support do you receive from your employer?
5/5
SO MUCH - They are fabulous - they even supply a company chaplain for mental health chats. Early careers team will support you with any issues.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
4/5
It varies. We frequently have to chase them for support. Varies by lecturer
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
5/5
It supports a strong knowledge base and opens my eyes to new and emerging technologies.
Teaches professional skills.
Presentation skills. These all allow me to perform at my best at work.
Teaches professional skills.
Presentation skills. These all allow me to perform at my best at work.
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
We frequently have apprentice do's. There are outreach groups for LGBT people, disabilities, veterans etc.
Many placements organise events or football nights etc. For example the apprentices on my scheme book out a football pitch one night per week.
Many placements organise events or football nights etc. For example the apprentices on my scheme book out a football pitch one night per week.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend BAE Systems to a friend?
Yes
Why?
It is a fabulous and supportive company and a great place to start your career. You get to work on unique products that maintain our way of life and our freedom whilst gaining the employability skills and professionalism and qualifications needed in any business place throughout your working life. All staff are kind and helpful and the early careers team will always go the extra mile to support you
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to BAE Systems?
Just be yourself and get stuck in. Don't feel under qualified as everyone is there to help you grow, learn and develop into a future leader.
