Can you tell us a little bit about yourself?
I am a 4th year engineering apprentice who is currently working in the Manufacturing Engineering team on Land Ceptor. Before I started at MBDA I went to college where I got A-levels in Maths, D&T: Systems and Control and a BTEC in Engineering. Throughout my apprenticeship I have completed placements in a wide variety of areas in Bolton and Stevenage, some of which include; Industrial Electronics, the Materials and Processes Laboratory, Actuators & Control Equipment, and FLAADS (Land & Maritime). My interest in engineering first started back in the early years of high school where I won an award for my work and commitment to the electronics subject I was studying.
What made you choose an apprenticeship with MBDA?
The ‘technology’ teachers at my school and sixth form were both ex engineers from the aerospace industry; they both heavily recommended MBDA and insisted I followed the apprenticeship route if I was to follow a career within this industry. One of the teachers completed an apprenticeship with MBDA so he knew from experience how good the scheme was and how MBDA would be the perfect choice for my future. I also got offers for other apprenticeships but having visited MBDA and seeing what work goes on, as well hearing all the stories from my teachers time here – choosing an apprenticeship with MBDA was an easy choice.
Can you tell us about some highlights from your time as an apprentice?
One of my favourite development opportunities was running the MBDA stand at the Farnborough Air Show along with other apprentices and graduates. Our job was to help teach school children how to solder with the hope of sparking their interest in the engineering industry which I found was a really rewarding experience. On the last day of the Air Show we even had the Red Arrows visiting our stand in which I ended up teaching a couple of them how to solder. This topped off a brilliant weekend at the Air Show and I would highly recommend any apprentice to get involved with this great opportunity.
I was also really proud to be awarded 'Highly Commended' by the North West Aerospace Alliance. This experience pushed me out of my comfort zone as I had to present on a project I had worked on at work as well as answering a question regarding the future of manufacturing. This was a very challenging experience being interviewed by engineers from the industry who had years of experience behind them.
I have also found having a mentor to be really beneficial. She has been able to provide me with key career advice and answering questions I have with my day to day life/issues inside and outside of work by approaching problems from a different perspective and empowering me to overcome them in a confident manner. My mentor has also made me think more about where I want to be in the future and how to get there which means challenging myself as much as possible and going above and beyond in everything that I do. She really does inspire me.
How do you think an apprenticeship scheme with MBDA has helped you to both succeed academically and build your career?
The scheme allows me to apply what I have learnt at college to my daily challenges at work, being able to do this helps me to understand the work a lot better and then relate this greater understanding back to my college assignments.
The placements within MBDA help build my career within this industry and company as I gain an appreciation of all the different areas of MBDA. Each placement allows me to develop new skills, build my network, and really understand how every department integrates as every placement is different from the last. In addition, each of my placement write-ups contributed towards my NVQ which I have now completed.
What advice would you give young people who were considering an apprenticeship with MBDA?
If you are considering an apprenticeship for MBDA I would make sure you are prepared to challenge yourself more and more each day, don’t be scared of taking risks and going outside of your comfort zone as the rewards will always be worth it as there will always be a lesson learnt regardless of the outcome.
What are your future plans in your career?
I will be completing my HND this year so I’m working really hard to gain the best grade possible whilst working to a consistently high level within my placement. I will also be in my final job role so I want to really push myself to get my career off to a good start. All of this hard work will go towards the business case I will prepare and present for the degree I wish to go on to study once I graduate from the scheme.
Why did you choose an apprenticeship?
Whilst studying my A-Levels, I looked into various further education options including the traditional University route, a full-time job and of course, apprenticeships. Despite receiving offers from 4 different universities, I decided to apply for various apprenticeships including the BBC, Tesco and MBDA, which is where I am currently completing my apprenticeship.
There was a certain amount of pressure to apply for different universities and aspire to solely achieve a degree, but I did not feel like this was the right option for me for several reasons. Firstly, I didn't particularly like the idea of studying a single subject with the aim of becoming specialised in one narrow area; I was not (and still am not) convinced of the exact disciple I want to work in permanently, therefore a Business Apprenticeship is perfect for me because I am able to gain valuable experience in various business functions. Another reason for not choosing the traditional degree route included the worry of funding a degree and the associated debt. This is something that I do not have to worry about as a Degree Apprentice as MBDA funds the degree. Finally, and most importantly, I was concerned that I would not be able to get a job once I gained my degree due to lack of work experience. I liked the idea of working and learning at the same time, and from experience, being able to combine the two has been extremely valuable.
What inspired you to work in the industry?
The defence industry is so important and I wanted to make a clear contribution to the important work that occurs. I was interested to see (and still am) how the industry copes with technological change.
What would you say to students who are considering their career options?
I would say, never limit yourself to one option. Look at all of the options that are available to you and apply for as many opportunities as you can. Don’t follow what your friends do, because it is much more important than that. Your career is your own and you have to do what is right for you. If you do decide to do an apprenticeship, make sure you do plenty of research and find one that suits you. If you aren’t sure what specific discipline you want to work in, choose an apprenticeship that helps you to make those decisions and which allows you to build on your skills., for example a rotational scheme where you get to see different areas of the business.
What has been your most memorable or proudest moment?
Back in October I was awarded the EEF Regional Business Apprentice of the Year in the South of England. In December, I received the National Runner-Up which I was delighted with. It was great to be recognised for my hard work and efforts over the past 2 years.
Can you tell us a little bit about yourself?
I am a 2nd Year Mechanical Engineering Apprentice studying for a HNC and HND in Mechanical Engineering. I’m currently working in Configuration Management, moving to Manufacturing at the end of March.
Why did you choose an apprenticeship?
I chose an apprenticeship as it has allowed me to get hands on experience while being paid to learn and further my education. Personally, I find this way of learning a lot more effective than if I was to study full time at University.
What inspired you to work in the industry?
I started working in the Defence industry as I had work experience in various industries such as; Agricultural, Automotive, Heating/Gas and I found that I was more engaged and interested in Defence.
What would you say to students who are considering their career options?
I would say to anyone considering their career options, to try and get a wide range of work experience so that you can see what you like doing and what you don’t. Although, if there isn’t time, pick a subject that interests you, become an apprentice in that field and then you are able to discover what you want to do after you’ve had hand on experience.
What has been your most memorable or proudest moment?
On the 19th February 2019, I was invited to support the MAKEuk (formerly EEF) National Manufacturing Conference at the QEii Centre, opposite Westminster Abbey.
The aim of the conference was to bring together delegates from over 800 UK based engineering and manufacturing SME’s to network, learn from each other and share ideas in preparation for Brexit. Keynote speakers at the event included Jeremy Corbyn (Leader of the Opposition), Steph McGovern (Broadcaster) and Andrew Neil (Broadcaster & Journalist)
We were supporting the #GenerationZ workshop where we were tasked alongside the delegates to develop a campaign aimed at attracting and retaining young people in the manufacturing industry. My team had the best campaign and came 1st out of 16 teams.
What inspired you or made you interested in a career in engineering?
I have always had an interest in engineering, I chose Electronics as a GCSE because I really appreciated the relevance of the subject in our everyday lives. I was able to develop and learn how to apply observational, practical and problem-solving skills and since then instantly knew I had a passion for engineering. After GCSE’s, I decided not to do a-levels and instead enrol on an engineering course at college as I wanted to learn about the various types of engineering in more depth. My interest in engineering is continuously growing and I love learning something new every day.
Why did you choose an apprenticeship?
I undertook an apprenticeship as it combined education with industry experience, so I could apply theory into a real working environment. An apprenticeship seemed like the best option for me as I would be gaining a recognised qualification as well as an added bonus of earning a salary. I am now in my final year of my apprenticeship and therefore have already started my job as a mechanical design engineer, which I will stay within post-scheme.
What have you enjoyed most about your apprenticeship?
What I have enjoyed the most about my apprenticeship is being able to experience the versatility of engineering by moving into different departments every 3-6 months. Changing placements has enabled me to see different areas within engineering and has shown me how each department is connected. I have also enjoyed learning on the job and putting the theory I’ve learnt at college into practice.
What advice would you give other young people considering an apprenticeship?
If you know what you want to do and there is an apprenticeship out there, then just go for it! It is by far the best decision I have ever made and I have no regrets. By choosing an apprenticeship you are gaining a qualification such as a HNC, HND or Degree whilst working in your dream role, all whilst getting paid! I think it’s so important to do what is best for you and don’t just do what your friends are doing. Apprenticeships are for everyone, and it is only growing, so make the most out of it as it is starting to become the more competitive option. Why wouldn’t you want to gain a recognised qualification whilst earning a salary within your field?
Can you tell us a little bit about yourself?
I am a degree business apprentice, currently in my second year of a four-year programme. I am currently working within the Business & Performance function, undertaking Project Management duties. This includes ensuring that projects keep to schedule, managing budgets and reporting on the financial position of projects. Alongside my apprenticeship, I am completing a sponsored degree in Business & Management at the University of Hertfordshire.
Why did you choose an apprenticeship?
I chose an apprenticeship, as I was keen to combine higher education with full time employment. Not only does this allow me to apply learning to real life work situations, but also the industry experience puts me in a great position for when I complete the scheme. I am also earning a salary while enjoying fantastic company benefits.
What inspired you to work in the industry?
Defence is so varied, and rather unique in the way it differs from other industries. Due to the nature of what we do, the rigorous regulations and conditions that have to be adhered to make the work extremely interesting!
What would you say to students who are considering their career options?
Apprenticeships are a fantastic way to combine further education with real-life work experience. In other words, it is the best of both worlds! I would definitely recommend considering an apprenticeship, not only to benefit from endless opportunities, but also to develop you as an individual.
What has been your most memorable or proudest moment?
My proudest moments at MBDA include being able to represent the company at many of the Early Career recruitment events throughout the year, delivering presentations and advice to young people regarding career options. Knowing that I am able to make a difference to the career choices of school students is something that I am very proud of. I have also raised vast amounts of money for MBDA’s partner charities, through project managing various fundraising events. I have also delivered various ‘Best Practice’ initiatives during my placements, leading to functional change.
