EDAS Software Engineer Apprentice Review
at BAE Systems
Degree Apprenticeship
Software Engineering
Warton, Lancashire
Review Submitted: March 2026
Overall Rating
4.8 /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
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Overview of Role
5/5
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Skills Development
4.6/5
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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:
5/5
Placements last for 7 months (I'm currently on my third placement) and my tasks have varied between them, from developing web applications to maintaining and testing legacy software and systems used by the company, with support available from other members of the team, including former apprentices and graduates.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
5/5
Even though I have a long commute to work, I find the quality of my job to be more than worth the travel time and early mornings. I have yet to meet anyone at the company who has not had a supportive attitude towards my professional development and I have not felt under excess pressure in any of the teams I have been in, which allows me to have confidence in my current level of ability rather than feeling that I am not progressing quickly enough.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
5/5
I have learned many skill during my time as an apprentice, both from the assignments I have completed and my work placements. I have gained experience in programming languages I had not previously used, including C# and Ada and have been introduced to using object-oriented programming at a more in-depth level than I had at college. I have also learned important software development skills such as version control and design documentation.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
4/5
The workplace side of the apprenticeship is very well organised, with regular progress reviews that ensure I am on track to collect and record the required evidence of skill, knowledge and professional behaviours I have developed while on the apprenticeship scheme as well as sessions where the entire cohort of apprentices I joined alongside can provide feedback and ask any questions we have to the scheme leadership.
The company has recently switched the education provider to Blackpool and the Fylde College (University Centre) and our cohort has been their first time delivering the learning content for the scheme. There have been some issues such as marking deadlines not being met and session structures not entirely fitting the learning style of the cohort, but they regularly collect feedback and these are currently being addressed.
The company has recently switched the education provider to Blackpool and the Fylde College (University Centre) and our cohort has been their first time delivering the learning content for the scheme. There have been some issues such as marking deadlines not being met and session structures not entirely fitting the learning style of the cohort, but they regularly collect feedback and these are currently being addressed.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
5/5
When I started with BAE Systems, I was on a waiting list for an ADHD assessment, which I received a diagnosis for in August of 2025. Even before I was diagnosed, the company has been very supportive, checking if I require any additional support during my progress reviews and slightly adapting the usual method of recording evidence to mitigate some of the struggles I face with long form writing. They also offer a Working Adjustments Passport system that allows me to request adjustments such as regular check-ins from managers and less harsh lighting and can be accessed by future managers to prevent me from having to repeatedly make these requests for adjustments.
As for overall support, my placement managers and teams have been incredibly supportive, providing me with resources and training for the systems, tools and processes they use and always being available to answer any questions I have while at work.
As for overall support, my placement managers and teams have been incredibly supportive, providing me with resources and training for the systems, tools and processes they use and always being available to answer any questions I have while at work.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
5/5
I currently have weekly sessions with one of the college's HELMs (Higher Education Learning Mentors) staff to monitor my progress with assignments and workshop strategies to help me complete them in a timely manner. Similar support is available to any apprentice that requires it, with one-off or regular sessions available.
The tutors are also highly supportive, with dedicated time for questions throughout each session and availability through Microsoft Teams and email outside of our sessions.
The tutors are also highly supportive, with dedicated time for questions throughout each session and availability through Microsoft Teams and email outside of our sessions.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
4/5
Some of the modules I complete are highly relevant to my role, such as Principles and Regulations and Object-Oriented Programming, developing skills that I use frequently in my role such as version control and meeting code standards and requirements.
However there have been some modules that are unlikely to be relevant to my roles outside of possibly some specific teams, such as Cross-Platform Programming that while developing my overall knowledge base and skill set, have not been able to be directly applied to my normal work.
However there have been some modules that are unlikely to be relevant to my roles outside of possibly some specific teams, such as Cross-Platform Programming that while developing my overall knowledge base and skill set, have not been able to be directly applied to my normal work.
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 are regular opportunities to attend conferences and webinars on a variety of topics, including managing pensions, upcoming software technologies and opportunities available within the business. There are also regular charity events to participate in or support, such as runs or sleep-outs.
In addition, the company also has a number of Employee Resource Groups that act as networks for employees of various demographics, including religion, military veterans, disabilities and the LGBTQ+ community which host webinars available for anyone to attend and provide their members with a mutual support system where they can share their experiences and meet new people.
In addition, the company also has a number of Employee Resource Groups that act as networks for employees of various demographics, including religion, military veterans, disabilities and the LGBTQ+ community which host webinars available for anyone to attend and provide their members with a mutual support system where they can share their experiences and meet new people.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend BAE Systems to a friend?
Yes
Why?
The company provides a incredibly well organised course that allows for an incredible amount of development in the area of software development, with additional stretch opportunities available for those looking for an extra challenge, while allowing apprentices to progress at their own pace within work placements, which has allowed me to greatly develop my confidence in my time with the company.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to BAE Systems?
Don't worry about not being the most proficient, skilful or knowledgeable in software development at the start of the course, as the expectations of the company and those within it are that you are willing to learn and develop, not that you already have a large amount of skill, knowledge or experience.
If successful, don't be afraid to ask questions if you don't understand something or are struggling, people here are supportive and many of them were once apprentices themselves, so understand your position.
If successful, don't be afraid to ask questions if you don't understand something or are struggling, people here are supportive and many of them were once apprentices themselves, so understand your position.
