Apprenticeship programme answers skills shortages

BAE Systems' Advanced Apprenticeship Programme is long established and entrenched within the company's culture and values.

There are many reasons why BAE Systems is being recognised as a great employer.

As well as a structured and constantly updated internal training programme the company also works with schools and colleges, attracting people from all ages and facilitating clear and thorough career paths into the world of engineering.

Scotland is a key area for BAE Systems, with the hub of naval ship building on the Clyde, and the company is one of the biggest recruiters of engineering modern apprentices in Scotland.

BAE Systems' Advanced Apprenticeship Programme is long established and entrenched within the company's culture and values.

It helps the company to sustain its high skills base, contribute to local communities, and ensure their staff are trained to national standards.

BAE Systems Naval Ships has a partnership with Anniesland and Clydebank Colleges offering an engineers training programme which offers a unique course that is part college and part apprentice on the job training.

This gives students the chance to gain their qualification as well as some great work experience - not only do they get to work directly on state of the art, cutting edge design on a grand scale as part of their course, they also have a guaranteed job at the end of their training.

Charles Murphy, Apprentice Manager, BAE Systems said: "We are absolutely committed to supporting the Advanced Apprenticeship Programme within BAE Systems".

"We are involved right from the start recruiting students to the course and then supporting them during their 3 or 4 year programmes".

Murphy continues: "In Scotland we run a comprehensive Modern Apprenticeship Framework which includes a 3 year HNC Craft Apprenticeship Programme through Clydebank and Anniesland College and a Technicians Apprentice Programme through Anniesland College".

"We also offer a Joiners and Painter Apprentice scheme following the Construction Industry Training Board/Modern Apprentice Programme".

"Those completing the HNC may have the opportunity to apply for a business related degree course as well as business related personal development courses such as IT".

"At BAE Systems we believe in continuous development and provide a support structure ensuring that our apprentices have as many opportunities to develop as possible".

The courses attract a wide variety of students: Graham Mulholland, 20 from Clydebank, is going into his third year of the four year Technician Apprentice Programme through Anniesland College.

His is currently working on the Type 45 Anti Air Warfare Destroyer, the latest in design technology and the future backbone of the Royal British Navy air defences.

The first ship of this type is currently being built and is due to be launched next year.

Mulholland explains his choice of course: "I was not sure exactly what I wanted to do but knew that a draftsperson was a more interesting role and had better salary prospects than an engineer and pipe fitter".

"I was looking at two courses but went for this one as I felt there were better chances to learn more and through BAE Systems have more opportunity to move up and work on some important projects".

"The design side is fascinating and it is all done with the latest technology, I don't put pencil to paper, I design on the computer and then see the project through from the drawing office to the pipe room where the designs I have worked on become parts for the Type 45".

Cheryl Dobbie, 19, from Knightswood, is a second year student training to be a sheet metal worker.

She explains why she was attracted to the course: "I know it sounds odd but I have always wanted to work with metal".

"I love construction and architecture and since I was a child I have talked about being a welder much to the amusement of my friends and family".

Dobbie adds: "I make everything from vents to lockers right up to fitting out the kitchen on the Type 45".

"Everything is designed and made on site so you get to see what you do come together and then fitted".

"I know that there are things that I have constructed that are part of the Type 45 and that makes me proud".

"I think I am a great example of someone that you would not expect to come into engineering and yet here I am, I am good at my job and I love it".

Dobbie is on the Craft Apprenticeship Programme through Clydebank College.

Jason Wilson, 21, from Scotstoun is in his third year training as a ship-wright fabricator and is also working on the Type 45.

Wilson works with a mixture of materials including steel and wood.

This includes projects from the woodwork on the keel and wooden shores that steady the boat.

Wilson will qualify at the end of August and is already planning to support the apprentice scheme next year as a mentor for new students starting out.

Wilson comments: "Having the support of the team at BAE Systems and the college has helped me every step of the way".

"I have learnt so much and am so lucky to be involved with such a historic project".

"I really believe that the sharing of knowledge and on the job experience is the key to the success of this course and next year I hope to be able to pass on the knowledge and skills I have learnt as a mentor for new students".

The Advanced Apprenticeships Programme boasts high achievement rates and is recognised and valued for the contribution it makes in keeping the company at the forefront of international competitiveness.

In addition to the main programme, apprentices benefit from enrichment courses and facilities allowing them to become more mature individuals with the ability to offer a wide range of skills to the company.

BAE Systems integrates its apprentices slowly and steadily into the company and offers a structured pathway from the school to the work environment.

The company has links with over 1500 schools across the UK and has over 400 ambassadors working within these schools.

The Advanced Apprenticeships Programme - with 1000 apprentices currently under training in the UK - continues to develop and benefit from the support given by BAE Systems Training Services Manager, Steve Gray and the 67 trainers employed to deliver apprenticeships.

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