Graduate Airframe Engineer Review

I really enjoy working for BAE Systems and returned to the company as a Graduate following my Industrial Placement year. The lack of rotations on the graduate scheme means it can be difficult if you're in a role/team you don't like as you can't move until the end of the 18 months scheme. However, there are a lot of opportunities for training and if your programme/line manager allows, then you can complete stretch assignments which are like extra-curricular activities. I'm personally in a team that only comes in once a week, whereas I like going into the office and speaking with people so I've found that a bit hard, but I'd like to move to a team that comes in more.
I think it's a real privilege to be able to work on incredible aircraft programmes, and being able to see the planes fly at work is a definite highlight! I think there is room for movement around the business once your graduate scheme has ended, so I'm sticking with it for now and I hope that I can remain working for the company doing something I enjoy.

My main responsibilities include report writing and evidence gathering, calculations, comparing documents, preparing presentations, attending meetings etc.

I've expressed to my team that I'd like a wide range of tasks to gain a better knowledge of the department and I feel as though I have had this. I'd feel more valued by my team if I got to see them more in the office as I sit by myself a lot and this can feel quite alienating, especially when other graduates do get to spend a lot of time with their team.

I feel as though the salary is great for the work I do, especially with the amount of funding the department is putting into my training. We also get a bonus, as well as great pension contributions, discounts on gyms and shops etc.

I'd like to move departments in a year or two so although I'm getting a lot of training, it's not relevant to what I would like to do long-term. It's also difficult to get the funding to explore other areas of the business.

I think I've received quite a lot of support through the personal effectiveness programme and my personal mentor. I'm getting there with my line manager as I've set up monthly 1to1s to try speak with them more but it would be nice to have even that more frequently.

I think BAE Systems could do better with taking on more graduates from disadvantaged backgrounds.

Yes

I think it's a great company to start your career in, and even if you don't like your initial role, it's not forever and there are other opportunities within the business.

I think the company needs to work on their process for graduates returning to the company from internship schemes.