Abi joined as an apprentice and is now a Senior Systems Engineer for combat systems submarines.
‘I knew I wanted to do an apprenticeship after leaving college, and having had a good experience attending the BAE Systems Challenge Day in Year 10, I looked towards them. I was attracted to BAE Systems due to the amount of opportunities open to me, the education offered alongside the scheme, and the fact that they had a site in Frimley conveniently located near my hometown so I could continue living at home.
I finished my apprenticeship three years ago, and exited into a systems engineering role in Frimley. I also completed a part time top-up degree through the company, meaning that I could continue to progress my career at the same time as furthering my education. I recently moved to Bristol to work out of the Filton Office, and transferred to a team working at a different stage in the lifecycle. BAE Systems has fully supported me with this decision making it possible for me to make the move without the need to change business units, which is amazing as I thoroughly enjoy working in submarines with people that I have met throughout my career!
I work a hybrid role with flexi-time and half-day Fridays, which means I am able to fit my hours around my preference of starting earlier and having longer evenings.
I am also part of some Employee Resource Groups, like STEM and STEMCourage, through which I volunteer as a STEM ambassador and mentor; and attend events by others such as the Gender Equity Network, and ENabled. These groups are important to me as I want everyone to have the same chance at finding and experiencing a career and a workplace they love.
My apprenticeship showed me that whatever you start with doesn't have to be where you end up, it just influences your pathway. Three years of an apprenticeship allowed me to find what I was naturally drawn to, and three years more allowed me to see where I could best use those skills.'
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With an apprenticeship you'll get it all. You’ll have real responsibilities on real projects from day one, playing a part in vital work that helps the overall security of the country. We'll fund your qualifications and give you all the support and guidance you need. With a wide range of meaningful and rewarding roles to choose from across different locations and parts of our business, there really is something for everyone.
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