Support Engineer Review
at BAE Systems
Level 3 Apprenticeship
Engineering
Barrow-in-Furness
Review Submitted: February 2026
Overall Rating
4 /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
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
Analysis of a variety of sources to determine a maintenance solution or to provide assurance of the solution proposed depending on the placement.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
4/5
BAE have a (internally) highly visible pay scale for apprentices so you know how your pay will progress as you gain skills, training, and certificates. The Level 3 apprenticeship can follow a number of different frameworks, mine is relevant to my role and develops the skills I need to perform my normal work duties. They have supported me in progressing onto a Level 4 HNC in parallel to the Level 3 apprenticeship I am undertaking so that I can continue to develop. BAE are particularly keen to educate those that they employ to allow them to become professionally registered.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
4/5
In every placement I have been able to take away a greater understanding of best business practices and the various deliverables that BAE produce to provide the customer with the best possible product.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
4/5
I have been fortunate to have had at least one very passionate person in every placement, who have made time and cared. It has provided a very positive outlook to BAE and my professional development.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
5/5
Time is made to ensure that I have enough time to complete my normal working duties and sufficient time to complete all apprenticeship work.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
3/5
I studied at Furness College prior to and during an inadequate Ofsted report. Content delivery was inconsistent and support was provided by the few passionate lecturers I had contact with.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
4/5
Having education to a post-GSCE level is necessary to perform the basic functions of my role, I feel it is necessary to include progression to Level 4 within my particular framework rather than having it as an optional progression.
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
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend BAE Systems to a friend?
Yes
Why?
BAE spend a significant amount of time on developing people and providing the vocational progression of their employees in line with Engineering Council codes of conduct. This has been to a great advantage to me as I have had the chance to progress into higher education at no personal cost.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to BAE Systems?
Evidence an understanding of the company behaviours and values. Where possible, show that you have acted in accordance with these behaviours in your previous roles or experiences. You can be trained to be an engineer, they can't make you a better person.
