Work experience
A work experience placement at BAE can be…
One of the best ways of seeing if a career in engineering is for you is to try it for yourself, and work experience allows you to do just that.
BAE Systems offer exciting work experience opportunities for young people aged 14–16 who attend schools close to our sites. Once a teacher has registered your school you can request to take part in our work experience programme.
To get an idea of what you can expect to do and learn on your placement, work through the following stages:
The 9 steps
- 01 Preparation
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It's important to be well prepared for your work experience and know what to expect and what's expected of you. The key skills pack will help with this. Watch the video to get an idea of what happens during a BAE Systems work experience. The e-brochure will also give you an idea of the sorts of questions to ask as you prepare.
Watch the video - 02 First day
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It's your first day of work experience! What are you going to find out? What do you need to know? Watch the video to see how this student got on during his first day.
Watch the video - 03 Finding out
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Now is your chance to see what a typical induction at a BAE Systems site is like, as well as learning more about the different businesses that make up BAE Systems and what they do.
Watch the video - 04 Meeting people
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At BAE Systems every single employee plays their part in our success. Watch the video to get an idea of the people you might meet along the way, and here are some questions to ask your new colleagues.
Watch the video - 05 Exploring the site
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The workplace can be dangerous and that's why health and safety rules exist to keep you away from danger and help you work safely. It's important to be careful and listen to your host's safety instructions.
Watch the video - 06 My job
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As well as working as part of a team you'll also have your own responsibilities. Make sure you understand your role and if you need any help or advice, ask the people around you – they'll be happy to help.
Watch the video - 07 Review
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Once your placement is over it's time for you, and your host, to review how you got on. What will they say about you? You'll also need to complete your Key Skills pack.
Watch the video Watch the video - 08 Making your mind up
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Work experience can be both exciting and a little daunting. Watch the video and visit the links below to find places where you can go for advice on getting the most from your work placement. And if you're still undecided on the best kind of engineering for you, our interactive engineering diagram will help you decide.
Watch the video - 09 Summary
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That's the end of our guide to work experience at BAE Systems. If your school is within the catchment area of a BAE Systems site, and is registered on our Education Programme, you can request a work experience placement. What are you waiting for?
Watch the video
Useful Links
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The Learning Grid
Working to meet the needs of students, teachers and industry by bringing together different programmes and competitions for young people.
National Council for Work Experience
Promoting, supporting and developing quality work experience for the benefit of students, organisations and the economy.
Schools Challenge
Take up the challenge and you could win prizes and experiences that money can't buy.
Find out moreTeachers notes
Do you need to know more about careers in engineering so you can advise students?
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