EDAS Aerospace Engineering apprentice Review
at BAE Systems
Degree Apprenticeship
Aeronautical and Aerospace Engineering
Brough, East Riding of Yorkshire
Review Submitted: March 2026
Overall Rating
3.6 /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!
3.5/5
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Overview of Role
4/5
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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:
4/5
I am currently undertaking a 5-year Engineering Degree Apprenticeship Scheme (EDAS) with BAE Systems as an aerospace engineering apprentice, based at Brough. The programme includes rotations across different placements, allowing me to gain experience in a variety of engineering roles and environments.
My day-to-day activities depend on my placement, but generally involve contributing to projects and supporting team objectives. Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and most of Friday are spent on placement work. Wednesdays are dedicated to online university study through Blackpool and The Fylde College, while part of Friday is allocated to completing assignments, particularly for Level 4.
Although the apprenticeship offers valuable experience and a structured development pathway, I feel the overall five-year duration is longer than necessary.
My day-to-day activities depend on my placement, but generally involve contributing to projects and supporting team objectives. Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and most of Friday are spent on placement work. Wednesdays are dedicated to online university study through Blackpool and The Fylde College, while part of Friday is allocated to completing assignments, particularly for Level 4.
Although the apprenticeship offers valuable experience and a structured development pathway, I feel the overall five-year duration is longer than necessary.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
3/5
I have generally enjoyed my apprenticeship and continue to do so. It offers a wide range of opportunities, including involvement in different projects and occasional chances to travel for work, which has been a valuable and engaging aspect of the programme.
However, the experience can vary depending on placements. At times, the work provided does not fully support development or challenge me as much as it could. There have also been instances where starting a new placement has been delayed, which can disrupt progress and momentum.
While I do enjoy the programme overall, recent changes within early careers have made it feel more restrictive. There appears to be less flexibility for apprentices, particularly regarding opportunities such as travel. In a large organisation like BAE Systems, this is likely influenced by liability and risk considerations, but it can result in apprentices being treated more as a risk to manage rather than individuals to invest in.
However, the experience can vary depending on placements. At times, the work provided does not fully support development or challenge me as much as it could. There have also been instances where starting a new placement has been delayed, which can disrupt progress and momentum.
While I do enjoy the programme overall, recent changes within early careers have made it feel more restrictive. There appears to be less flexibility for apprentices, particularly regarding opportunities such as travel. In a large organisation like BAE Systems, this is likely influenced by liability and risk considerations, but it can result in apprentices being treated more as a risk to manage rather than individuals to invest in.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
4/5
I have definitely developed both new and existing skills throughout my apprenticeship. The university element provides useful theoretical knowledge, particularly in building foundational aircraft understanding and some transferable soft skills. However, like many degree courses, much of this learning is not directly applied in day-to-day work.
The most significant skill I have developed is professionalism, particularly in learning how to operate and manage myself within a corporate environment. This includes communication, time management, and understanding workplace expectations.
BAE Systems also offers a range of additional training opportunities and is willing to invest in further development. That said, the skills you gain are largely dependent on your own initiative. Given the size of the company and the resources available, there is strong potential to shape your own development if you actively seek out opportunities.
The most significant skill I have developed is professionalism, particularly in learning how to operate and manage myself within a corporate environment. This includes communication, time management, and understanding workplace expectations.
BAE Systems also offers a range of additional training opportunities and is willing to invest in further development. That said, the skills you gain are largely dependent on your own initiative. Given the size of the company and the resources available, there is strong potential to shape your own development if you actively seek out opportunities.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
2/5
The organisation and structure of the programme is one of its weaker aspects, particularly as an EDAS apprentice based at Brough. There have been recent changes in leadership within early careers, which seem positive overall, but the programme still lacks consistent structure.
Communication between Blackpool and The Fylde College and early careers can be poor at times, especially when coordinating things such as visits. In terms of placements, the structure is also inconsistent, and securing new placements is not always well managed.
That said, this is not solely an early careers issue. Wider corporate constraints within BAE Systems, along with the increasing number of early careers employees at Brough, make coordination more challenging. Individual efforts, particularly from the EDAS line manager, are evident, but overall the programme would benefit from improved organisation and clearer structure.
Communication between Blackpool and The Fylde College and early careers can be poor at times, especially when coordinating things such as visits. In terms of placements, the structure is also inconsistent, and securing new placements is not always well managed.
That said, this is not solely an early careers issue. Wider corporate constraints within BAE Systems, along with the increasing number of early careers employees at Brough, make coordination more challenging. Individual efforts, particularly from the EDAS line manager, are evident, but overall the programme would benefit from improved organisation and clearer structure.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
5/5
The level of support from my employer is very strong. As a large organisation, BAE Systems provides a wide support network, and there are clear processes in place if any issues arise.
I feel confident that if I have a concern, it will be taken seriously and addressed appropriately. Overall, the support available is a key strength of the programme.
I feel confident that if I have a concern, it will be taken seriously and addressed appropriately. Overall, the support available is a key strength of the programme.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
5/5
I receive a good level of support from my training provider while working towards my Level 6 qualification in aerospace engineering through Blackpool and The Fylde College. The course itself is very strong, with a high proportion of students achieving a first, which reflects the quality of teaching and support provided.
The college is also accommodating to individual needs and offers adjustments where required. For apprentices based at Brough, class sizes tend to be small, which allows for more one-to-one interaction with lecturers and a more supportive learning environment.
While the college does face some challenges, overall the level of support is good. In my view, the consistently strong academic outcomes indicate that the training provider is delivering effectively.
The college is also accommodating to individual needs and offers adjustments where required. For apprentices based at Brough, class sizes tend to be small, which allows for more one-to-one interaction with lecturers and a more supportive learning environment.
While the college does face some challenges, overall the level of support is good. In my view, the consistently strong academic outcomes indicate that the training provider is delivering effectively.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
3/5
My qualification provides useful foundational knowledge that supports my role, particularly in areas such as aerodynamics, engineering principles, and broader engineering management concepts. This helps build a stronger understanding of the work I am involved in.
However, as with many university degrees, the direct application to day-to-day tasks is somewhat limited. While the theoretical knowledge is valuable, it does not always translate directly into the practical work carried out during placements.
That said, the foundation provided by Blackpool and The Fylde College does support certain tasks and improves overall understanding, even if it is not consistently applied in everyday work.
However, as with many university degrees, the direct application to day-to-day tasks is somewhat limited. While the theoretical knowledge is valuable, it does not always translate directly into the practical work carried out during placements.
That said, the foundation provided by Blackpool and The Fylde College does support certain tasks and improves overall understanding, even if it is not consistently applied in everyday 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.)
3/5
There are a range of extra-curricular activities available through BAE Systems. These include involvement in the local apprentice council, participation in charitable initiatives, and opportunities to take part in STEM outreach activities, all of which provide valuable experiences outside of day-to-day work.
However, the social side is more limited. While smaller groups do organise sports and informal activities, large-scale social interaction between different apprentice cohorts is uncommon.
However, the social side is more limited. While smaller groups do organise sports and informal activities, large-scale social interaction between different apprentice cohorts is uncommon.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend BAE Systems to a friend?
Yes
Why?
I would recommend BAE Systems as a company, particularly in terms of long-term career progression and the opportunities available within such a large organisation.
However, in terms of the apprenticeship scheme itself, my recommendation is more balanced. The programme is quite long at five years and has changed over time, so it may not offer the same experience it once did. Because of this, it is important to have a genuine interest in engineering before committing.
If there are alternative routes that allow you to reach your career goals more quickly, they are worth considering. That said, for those willing to commit, the scheme can still provide a strong foundation and good long-term prospects within the company.
However, in terms of the apprenticeship scheme itself, my recommendation is more balanced. The programme is quite long at five years and has changed over time, so it may not offer the same experience it once did. Because of this, it is important to have a genuine interest in engineering before committing.
If there are alternative routes that allow you to reach your career goals more quickly, they are worth considering. That said, for those willing to commit, the scheme can still provide a strong foundation and good long-term prospects within the company.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to BAE Systems?
BAE Systems is a great company with strong opportunities, but it is important to approach the application process carefully.
One key piece of advice is to choose your site wisely. Different locations can offer very different experiences — for example, larger sites such as Warton may provide more exposure to varied and interesting work compared to smaller or quieter sites like Brough.
When preparing for interviews, make sure to use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result). This helps structure your answers clearly and ensures you demonstrate your skills and experiences effectively.
It is also important to keep an open mind and consider all available options. While BAE is a strong choice, you should not focus solely on one pathway. Having alternative options and backup plans ensures you can still reach your goals, even if circumstances or preferences change.
One key piece of advice is to choose your site wisely. Different locations can offer very different experiences — for example, larger sites such as Warton may provide more exposure to varied and interesting work compared to smaller or quieter sites like Brough.
When preparing for interviews, make sure to use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result). This helps structure your answers clearly and ensures you demonstrate your skills and experiences effectively.
It is also important to keep an open mind and consider all available options. While BAE is a strong choice, you should not focus solely on one pathway. Having alternative options and backup plans ensures you can still reach your goals, even if circumstances or preferences change.
