Aerospace Engineering Degree Apprentices Review
at BAE Systems
Degree Apprenticeship
Aeronautical and Aerospace Engineering
Warton, Lancashire
Review Submitted: March 2026
Overall Rating
4.1 /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!
4.5/5
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Overview of Role
5/5
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Skills Development
3.8/5
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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
I have starting specialising as a designer, so most of my day revolves working on our CAD software to produce complex 3D models. Being a designer also involves meetings with other engineering disciplines to understand requirements for designs which are very interesting.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
4/5
The job itself is very interesting and enjoyable. Working on the qualifications needed for the apprenticeship, such as the end point assessment and the level 4 diploma as well as the part time degree add a bit of stress.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
5/5
I have learnt a lot about programming using MATLAB and systems modelling in Simulink. I have also become proficient in business related software such as JIRA and Confluence. NX and Inventor for CAD. Also more knowledge on the Microsoft Office suite of applications.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
4/5
There is a decent structure to the programme so you are fairly well aware of the steps ahead. Although it does seem that every year changes are made to the programme which aren't always for the better and are poorly communicated and rarely are we actually consulted on, leading to a lot of frustration.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
4/5
There is a decent amount of support from the business. As an apprentice you still get access to the same benefits of a regular employee. The company is always ready to listen in regards to any troubles you may be facing. Only thing that could be better is the communication from the early careers management.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
3/5
Most of the lecturers at our college do try hard to teach the course material, however the quality of this depends on if your lecturer knows much about the specific topic which hasn't always been the case. Assignment briefs aren't always well written and cause a lot of confusion. Feedback on assignments are also not guaranteed and when we do get some its mostly generic and unhelpful.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
4/5
The knowledge gained from the degree can come in handy in the workplace, depends on what job you are doing and what modules you have completed.
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
Teams in the company normally organise team socials. There are internal company networking events. The company also encourages people to register with professional bodies such as the Royal Aeronautical Society which opens access to more networking opportunities.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend BAE Systems to a friend?
Yes
Why?
BAE Systems is one of the very few remaining businesses in the UK that still designs, develops, manufactures, tests and maintains aircraft. It provides the best opportunity for a good and interesting career in aerospace.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to BAE Systems?
Don't just focus on your technical abilities. A good engineer is someone who works well in a team so also focus on ways of showing that.
