Nuclear Engineering Degree Apprentice Review
at BAE Systems
Degree Apprenticeship
Engineering
Barrow-in-Furness
Review Submitted: March 2026
Overall Rating
3.4 /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!
3/5
-
Overview of Role
3/5
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Skills Development
3.6/5
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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:
3/5
Depends on where you are on rotation, very few of the roles we have access to are true engineering roles.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
3/5
If you get a role in a good area (both on rotation and exit) the job is enjoyable, however being in area you don't like or a role that isn't engineering can be draining. There is also too many apprentices for the amount of work available.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
3/5
I have definitely gained more confidence in speaking to people and the university course is giving me an okay knowledge in engineering however the work does not represent what engineering is. The term "engineer" is used very freely at this business.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
4/5
The nuclear apprenticeship is structured incredibly well due to the programme lead, the process of finding an exit role (last two years of the scheme) does not seem well thought out of and essentially works off of a first come first serve basis, I find this to be both stressful and unfair.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
5/5
I have not needed any support but there is a strong framework of people both in the team/function and through the early careers team.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
3/5
The college provide what they 'need' to provide, I do not think we have the same technical knowledge as someone who did a 3 year BEng.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
1/5
As previously mentioned the role does not include 'proper' engineering work therefore anything that the college provides us with is not transferable.
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
There is loads to get involved with through the company, there is a team devoted to putting events on and helping apprentices find things to do.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend BAE Systems to a friend?
No
Why?
I do not believe that the role at BAE is satisfying to someone who wants to be an engineer, most of the roles available are project management focussed, if your aim is to climb the ranks to management fast (with little engineering input) and sticking in a place for a long period of time, I can see the appeal.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to BAE Systems?
This business thrives on communication skills, do not be intimidated by the size of the company.
