EDAS Aerospace Apprentice Review

My job role varies across each placement I undertake, which are each 6 months for the first 3 years and then a final exit role that lasts 2 years. My roles have varied from systems engineering using MBSE to customer facing technical roles and then to my current role working in systems again but with a focus on fault investigations and solution development. Much of my work is office based with recent work taking me to a wider scope of locations.

From a high-level viewpoint it is structured in a very good manner, however the roll-out of that structure has been fairly inconsistent. The placement organisation has been very hit and miss, with many apprentices feeling that the higher up management have sometimes not given thorough consideration to placement setup and not performed suitable due diligence; this is reflected in some placements possessing little to no engineering work.

Each apprentice is designated a Skills Coach to take them through their apprenticeship, complete progress reviews and help them with their various qualifications. Mine has been nothing but exceptional and has offered fantastic support and encouragement.
Outside of my skills coach, support from placement has been good and Early Careers has been positive. My main issue with support has been battling between funding for certain pieces of work, but that is much more minor.

It is very dependent on the lecturer, I have had maybe two that have been excellent - the remaining not so much.
Feedback and results usually come out late and (excluding the good lecturers) have been limited.

Having the degree will be a huge benefit as I progress my career, but currently it is my day-to-day work that helps the most with my degree.

Yes

Regardless of any smaller details, there is no better professional route than a degree apprenticeship. Gaining a degree, five years of experience and a salary is a huge boost in life. The best thing about working in the BAES Air Sector is the work you can get involved with and the opportunities; not many other companies give you the ability to see and work on full aircraft systems at the highest level.