PUBLISHED 25 November 2022
On Tuesday 15th of November, a group of Year 11, 12 and 13 AKS students visited BAE Systems in Samlesbury to learn about their diverse apprenticeship programmes. We also had the opportunity to talk to current apprentices at BAE Samlesbury to find out about the different courses.
The BAE Level 4-6 Degree Apprenticeship, which is a 5-year course, involves practical work and attending university one day a week. Degree apprenticeships have many benefits over the traditional way of studying for a degree. BAE degree apprentices study at the Blackpool and Fylde College but get their degree through Lancaster University. Across the course, you gain practical experience, a degree and earn a good salary. All apprentices who successfully complete the apprenticeship programme are offered a job, of which 95% of apprentices accept.
BAE offer apprenticeships in Engineering, Business, Software, Project management and Project control. To apply for the Level 4-6 degree apprenticeships, you will require 5 GCSEs and 96 UCAS points, roughly equivalent to CCC at A-level. As part of the application process there is also an interview and a few online assessments before you find out if you are on the course.
On the day we were also shown a 3D demonstration of a Typhoon is assembled. This showed how complex the plane was to make and fly.
Overall, the BAE Apprenticeships scheme is very broad and has lots of options. According to current apprentices, plenty of support is provided and it is a good place to work. It certainly is a career pathway I will consider after Sixth Form.
Max G, Year 12