Degree apprentice - Engineer Review
at BAE Systems
Degree Apprenticeship
Engineering
Barrow-in-Furness
Review Submitted: March 2026
Overall Rating
3 /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
-
Overview of Role
4/5
-
Skills Development
2.4/5
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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
I work within Engineering teams.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
4/5
I find the apprenticeship highly rewarding, I am able to learn whilst working which is a huge career benefit. I am able to witness real-industry experience and learn from other engineers. I feel incredibly lucky and empowered to be a degree apprentice at BAE.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
4/5
I think I learn a lot at work, however the content at college isn't as tailored to be easily transferred to work tasking. I find the engineering content doesn't cover the extent of knowledge required to be competent at work. But I find there are many opportunities within the workplace to improve and enhance skills through higher education programmes and the work available.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
3/5
The programme is structured well, having placements is beneficial to wider engineering knowledge/skills. However, it seems like 4th year will be unbalanced with high amounts of college work, managing 6 modules and dissertation, whereas 5th year seems to be pure EPA. I think this balance could make the year more stressful whilst in exit role.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
4/5
I think there is sufficient support on site, GP and wellbeing support is widely available and I would feel comfortable raising an incident etc.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
2/5
Wellbeing support is available, but the teaching of module content and assignment writing is poor. Modules are taught insufficiently and as I result I find myself having to self-teach content in preparation for exams and assignments (in spare time) which can create gaps in my knowledge. Assignment briefs are written unclearly and it can be difficult to determine what is expected in order to achieve high marks. The interface between work competencies being met and recorded and university KSB's being met is recorded in a complicated way with advice on how to submit forms changing yearly and an overall confusing message left (WBP's).
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
1/5
Teaching is poor meaning there are gaps in my knowledge and self-taught, this isn't supporting the engineering demands the workplace requires from apprentices. Also, the content covered in modules isn't always directly transferable to the workplace, I primarily work on mechanical systems and we are currently working on large amounts of electrical knowledge which does widen knowledge but it seems imbalanced to the amount of mechanical knowledge that would be better utilised in my job role being taught.
Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)
2/5
There is huge amounts of STRETCH activities but clubs and sports happen outside the workplace with rare few being publicised within the business.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend BAE Systems to a friend?
Yes
Why?
Having the opportunity to learn and work at the same time is amazing, the company allow apprentices real-industry experience whilst being able to develop knowledge. The Engineering function manage some of the most fascinating engineering challenges, and there is huge scope for a diverse career as an Engineer. The company has many benefits and support schemes available ensuring employees feel safe and supported at work. I would highly recommend the apprenticeship scheme to people interested getting hands on experience whilst learning.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to BAE Systems?
Ensure you look at the BAE behaviours and how you might improve some of those behaviours in your own skillset before applying, being able to develop your skillset will really enhance how you tackle challenges within the business. In particular, being able to get engineering and leadership experience will benefit your application and interview STAR examples. I think its also important to note that it can be challenging to balance studying alongside working full time, but the experience gained is unbelievable.
