Degree Apprentice Software Engineer Review
at BAE Systems
Degree Apprenticeship
Software Engineering
New Malden
Review Submitted: April 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!
4/5
-
Overview of Role
5/5
-
Skills Development
2.8/5
-
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
Day-to-day work varies hugely between placements, which rotate every 3-12 months depending on the area of the business you're in. Some placements were excellent and challenging with plenty of support for difficult tasks. Others were dull with very little support and not much work given to apprentices as they were scared of giving us responsibility.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
4/5
Now that I'm in a great placement, the work is great. The training provider for university is very poor.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
5/5
I have learned so much at work. The university training provider is terrible though, I have not learned much that is relevant to my role.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
4/5
The early careers team are fantastic, but I often feel that they're stuck with policies from higher up in the business that restrict how flexible they can be. The university is very poor and the business and university seem to have frequent miscommunication.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
5/5
The early careers team are excellent. In my current placement I receive as much support as I need and people are generally happy to help me as much as needed.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
1/5
The university provide mixed messages constantly. They struggle to understand what the requirements of the qualification final assessment are. They offer advice but contradict it months later. They are not prepared to support a business where much of the work is classified so cannot be shared.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
1/5
University modules are rarely well run. Most are not relevant to the role, but are lumped in together with all 'digital technology solutions' rather than being specific to the chosen career path. Some are entirely counterintuitive to the apprenticeship!
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 extra-curricular opportunities but they are frequently based out of another site as it has a larger number of employees. There are fewer opportunities at my office but that doesn't really bother me as I have take on lots of things outside of work.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend BAE Systems to a friend?
Yes
Why?
If you can overlook the training provider being a poor use of time, the actual workload is great. Most colleagues are supportive, especially if you can find a placement in a younger team. I have learned so much on the job, it's just a shame the training provider doesn't help me learn even more.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to BAE Systems?
I think BAE Systems are looking more for the ability and willingness to develop and learn rather than pure technological competence. Come in with a positive attitude and enthusiasm and you'll have a great time.
