Accelerate Graduate Mechanical Engineer Review
at BAE Systems
Graduate Scheme
Mechanical Engineering
Barrow-in-Furness
Review Submitted: November 2025
Overall Rating
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!
5/5
-
Overview of the Role
5/5
-
Experience & Company Culture
5/5
-
Recommendations & Advice
Overview of the Role
Overall, how would you describe your experience at BAE Systems?
The experience as a graduate is great, there is ample support to help you settle in to the business and plenty of opportunities to stretch yourself outside your day job and comfort zone. The scheme follows a very well detailed timeline, with support and reviews throughout, to help you achieve the most you can.
What are the main responsibilities of the role and which elements of the role do you enjoy the most?
The job provides a lot of challenge, varying in forms each and every day. There is frequent opportunity to experience glimpses outside of your job, team and even function. Graduate opportunities also enable further development through examples such as stem ambassador work. I am particularly enthused by the level of variety in the role. You are both pushed to learn and perform in your immediate role, but also further afield with other activities to develop as a professional.
To what extent does your role give you the opportunity to contribute meaningfully and feel valued by your team?
5/5
From the first day I was given meaningful work and tasks which I am able to undertake independently. I am then given great feedback and pointers if I ever require help or support.
How does your compensation package - including perks & benefits - fairly remunerate you for the work you do?
5/5
I think it's a very fair package for a graduate, there are also a lot of benefits on top of the base annual salary
How well do you feel the role is preparing you for your future career?
5/5
I am both developing as a mechanical engineer in my team and as a engineering professional in general. This will put me in great stead when seeking chartership further into my career.
How would you rate the extent to which you were developing new or existing skills through formal training and your day-to-day role?
5/5
There is an excellent mix of on the job training and prescribed training modules, both for job specific learning and for business/industry as a whole, through sessions such as cross-functional training.
Experience & Company Culture
How is the support you receive?
5/5
At every opportunity, I personally received more than adequate support, all the way from my graduate buddy, who helped me with onboarding and life in the area, through to functional leads who assisted with any queries related to the scheme or role.
How is your work-life balance?
5/5
The company offers super flexible working hours, which are perfect for managing your personal life balance.
What is the organisational culture, values and general atmosphere like?
5/5
All of the above aspects are positively supported and encouraged in the business, through policies, good culture and a very welcoming atmosphere.
How would you rate BAE Systems initiatives when it comes to equality, diversity, inclusion and accessibility?
5/5
There are many employee led groups who are supported thoroughly by the business to raise awareness and champion the mentioned points.
How would you rate BAE Systems CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) initiatives?
5/5
The CSR initiatives put in place by the company do an excellent job of promoting a healthy relationship between the business and the environment, local/wider area, and the community. Through events such as local school work experience weeks and public exhibition spaces in the local town centre.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend BAE Systems to a friend?
Yes
Why?
I believe they are a great employer, especially as a graduate scheme provider, the working culture is very welcoming and supportive and the scheme is well structured and provides ample opportunity for development in your first few years in industry.
How well did the role match your expectations based on the recruitment process?
5/5
The role exceeded my expectations. The scheme is very well structured to allow for effective delivery of training, both general and job role specific, whilst allowing time to learn from on the job experience. I was surprised with how soon you are tasked with responsibility for real meaningful work, compared to my previous experiences this is a much more effective approach to learning.
When considering the recruitment & onboarding process, have you any specific tips or advice you would give to others applying to BAE Systems?
Do not overthink the application process, the interview is just to assess your way of thinking and compatibility with the BAE behaviours and values.
