Apprentice engineering and manufacturing support technician Review
at BAE Systems
Level 3 Apprenticeship
Electronic and Electrical Engineering
Rochester, Kent
Review Submitted: April 2026
Overall Rating
4.3 /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
4/5
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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
At the moment we spend 5 days a week at college doing our BTEC and some hands-on learning across 4-week block units. These units vary from bench work to electronic practicals to advanced soldering and more.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
5/5
Constant learning and growth backed by knowledgeable trainers and supportive apprenticeship leads. Apprentices in further years are also very supportive if asked for help or asked any questions about what to expect. The work is very interesting and engaging.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
5/5
I came into this apprenticeship with no prior experience or knowledge of engineering or electronics. I am now at a point where I can confidently understand circuit diagrams and their function, as well as design my own circuits, design PCBs, and even solder the components. My theoretical knowledge is developed too, with understandings of formulae and necessary maths.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
3/5
The structure is evidently there and functional, and the staff seem to have a clear understanding of what we apprentices should be doing and working towards. However, we apprentices are often left a little in the dark. Due to the context of the work this is understandeable, however questions about upcoming years and progression are often answered vaguely, leaving some confusion.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
4/5
The employer is very supportive and answer emails promptly, however, as mentioned before, they can often be vague when asked about future plans and expectations. They are very good at ensuring the training providers maintain consistent high quality, and constantly ask for feedback to ensure these standards are kept to.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
5/5
The training provider is excellent. Staff and supportive, engaging, and knowledgeable. any concerns are handled seriously, respectfully, and promptly. The site at which they operate is maintained and well equipped for various styles of learning and activities.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
5/5
They are very good at relating all tasks and learning opportunities back to things we would be doing on-site at work to ensure we always know what we are working towards.
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
Extra-curricular activities are available, but rarely spoken about and promoted during the first year of the apprenticeship. This can be understandable due to how the first year is entirely with the training provider, limiting access to on-site groups and events.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend BAE Systems to a friend?
Yes
Why?
The company very clearly care about their apprentices and provide loads of opportunities and support. The work is great and the people are too.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to BAE Systems?
Grasp all opportunities offered to you and maintain a learning mindset. In your application, really draw on what attracts you not only to the position, but the company and culture of BAE.
Graduate Aerospace Integration Engineer
at BAE Systems
- Graduate Scheme
- Prestwick, Ayrshire and Arran
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4.5
