Degree Apprentice Software Engineer Review
at BAE Systems
Degree Apprenticeship
Software Engineering
Yeovil
Review Submitted: April 2026
Overall Rating
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!
5/5
-
Overview of Role
5/5
-
Skills Development
3.4/5
-
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
My role as a software engineer requires me to solve problems using software solutions. There is a wide variety of work and topics to learn about and get involved with. My role requires me to work across the lifecycle so I do more than just writing code, I could be writing new requirements, updating designs or writing software tests.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
5/5
I really enjoy problem solving and puzzles and this role has provided excellent opportunities for both. I enjoy really getting to understand a problem in depth and providing a solution to solve that problem. Additionally the role has provided more exposure to other existing solutions which I have to work with and around. Ultimately I enjoy seeing a successful solution delivered to solve the problem and make a process either easier, quicker or more useful.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
5/5
Over the course of the apprenticeship I have had exposure to a wide range of new skills through the work and the degree side of the course. I have developed skills in many areas, not all of which are directly software engineering related. I have learnt plenty of new skills I didn't realise before the course that I would even need as well as having further developed my existing skillset.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
4/5
The programme is relatively well structured. University work is completed alongside the "day job" work, each week time would be split between the two. The course has an additional element of a level 4 qualification which I am also provided time in order to complete this. I have regular check ins with managers and the early careers team in order to best support my development.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
4/5
I am happy with the level of support I receive from my employer. I also know there is more support available if it were to be required. The regular checks ins as part of this support work well and ensures proper time is in place for any necessary support I may require from the employer.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
3/5
My learning model with the training provider was a distanced learning model and as such most of the work was done remotely. While this meant less time consuming travel I found this model was not fully utilised to its best effect. Direct contact time with the training provider was limited and sometimes poorly utilised.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
3/5
The qualification from the training provider has given me a basic knowledge to work from within my role. However the information I learnt through the qualification feels very much basic and foundational and often I found I was learning quicker through my main role to help more substantially build my knowledge and experience.
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
During my time on the course this has improved although I think more could be done specifically for apprentices on this topic. I ensure to get involved with the STEM Ambassador opportunities which are available to me with my time constraints and in my local area. There are also some sports clubs I am aware of although this is limited. There are some social/networking events which happen throughout the year, but these do not happen very often.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend BAE Systems to a friend?
Yes
Why?
I have always felt well supported, but also challenged in my role which is something I personally look for. I have regularly been offered opportunities to stretch my knowledge, capability and responsibility within my role. I enjoy the topics which are available to work on as they are interesting and can even be cutting edge.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to BAE Systems?
Research the company and understand the sector you are applying to and what areas of work and opportunities might be on offer there. Express an interest in these areas as well as having good problem solving skills and an attention to detail.
