Engineering Taster Week in Rochester

Engineering Taster Week (ETW) is a five-day, virtual course designed to offer students a glimpse into the day-to-day work of an engineer.

The Engineering Taster Week (ETW) is an educational and enjoyable event that has provided students with experience of real world engineering for over 16 years. Attending students will embark on a challenging week-long project intended to develop their team working skills, leadership qualities and engineering expertise.

This year we are taking ETW virtual, putting a twist on the usual activities for the virtual environment to challenge participants in new and exciting ways. The week will provide the opportunity to experience the challenges of engineering in a virtual world first-hand, and develop skills in working in teams in new circumstances.

We aim to provide an insight into the engineering that goes on locally at our BAE Systems Rochester site, as well as providing valuable skills and experience that will serve the attendees well in future endeavours within STEM. ETW presents a unique opportunity to learn about the vast portfolio of products we design and produce in Rochester; and how we take on real world engineering challenges day to day.

Year on year students complete the week enthused about engineering with 100% of students saying they would recommend the week to a friend. This year’s week will present new challenges in a virtual sphere in an exciting new take on the engineering world. To learn more about previous year’s on-site weeks please watch the video below and follow the links to find experiences of some of the individuals that have attended the week.

Engineering Taster Week Rochester

Student experiences:

BAE Systems in Rochester

We design, develop and deliver a wide range of advanced technologies for the commercial and military electronics markets. Our portfolio includes flight and engine controls, helmet mounted displays, head-up displays and environmentally friendly energy management systems. We also offer some of the most robust readiness and sustainment services for the aerospace and defence industry.

The Rochester ETW is organised by a team of Graduate and Apprentice employees with all work carried out alongside their Engineering day jobs.

This Apprentice-Graduate team will be your first point of contact throughout the week to help facilitate the best experience for all students. Additionally, throughout the week there will be many opportunities to discuss with them their career choices and engineering experiences that got them to where they are now.

2021 ETW Dates:

12 - 16 July 2021
19 - 23 July 2021

Applicants should be:

In school years 10-12
Currently participating in full-time education
Interested in pursuing engineering through an apprenticeship or higher education

Applications for Rochester Engineering Taster Week 2021 are now closed. If you are interested in participating in ETW at Rochester in the future, please check this page early next year for applications to Engineering Taster Week 2022.

If you would like get reminders about ETW 2022 such as when applications open, you can email us using the Contact form in the sidebar to be added to the mailing list. Alternatively, check out our Work Experience weeks taking place throughout the year at the link below for other opportunities to learn about what we do at BAE Systems

Check out our Work Experience here

Virtual requirements

This year ETW will take place virtually over Canvas, with all costs covered by BAE Systems. Applicants will need a desktop, laptop or tablet that can access the internet and has a Chrome browser installed to complete the course.

Find out more about one of our most innovative products at Rochester - Striker® II Digital Helmet