Software Engineer Review
at BAE Systems
Degree Apprenticeship
Software Engineering
Warton, Lancashire
Review Submitted: February 2026
Overall Rating
4.1 /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
5/5
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Skills Development
4/5
-
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
I am on placement which changes around every 6 months. My last placement involved developing my own system utilising an AI which required problem solving. My current placement involves creating system design diagrams for a system that the team currently is developing. Other placements can complete other aspects of software development like testing.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
4/5
I enjoy the degree scheme as I am able to get a lot of software development work experience and work on different projects. Some placement teams are more enjoyable than others. It can be difficult balancing university work and placement work but there is a lot of support in place.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
5/5
My skills in programming has improved as I joined the scheme with no prior programming experience. I have also been able to develop my soft skills such as problem solving, communication, and leadership/management whilst working at different placement teams.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
4/5
The schedule for placements has been in place since the start of the scheme so that everyone understands which team they will be moving on to prior to the swap.
University can be less structured due to unclear assignments.
University can be less structured due to unclear assignments.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
5/5
There is a lot of support in place which includes help withing placements, help with diploma, and general support.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
3/5
Support from the university is harder to receive - sometimes it takes a while to get the lecturer to understand a question about their own assignment.
However some lecturers are quick to respond to emails.
However some lecturers are quick to respond to emails.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
4/5
Core skills such as programming in different languages are transferrable to the placement work completed. As well as soft skills such as organising and time management for assignments can also be applicable to placement projects.
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
Outward bound was completed at the start of the apprenticeship to help develop team-building skills. Sometimes other apprentices will hold social events.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend BAE Systems to a friend?
Yes
Why?
There are a lot of opportunities within the business that you can move around to. Many employees are able to move roles/teams within the business every few years for a change of work and environment.
Applying for a degree apprenticeship is hard work but with the experience gained and also getting the degree for free - it's worth it.
Applying for a degree apprenticeship is hard work but with the experience gained and also getting the degree for free - it's worth it.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to BAE Systems?
Be yourself. Also focus on why you want to join the company and scheme and show your interest in the role you are applying for.
