The past year has seen vast disruption to our lives, careers and businesses due to the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on economies all over the world. As a result, many individuals are considering career changes due to a new change of perspective and the welcomed dawn of hybrid working. No matter your career goals or experience, apprenticeships are a great opportunity to learn and earn alongside like-minded individuals in a supportive environment.
As part of 2021’s National Apprenticeship Week (8th – 14th February), we spoke with some of BAE System’s top apprentices to get insights on what life is like as an apprentice, their advice for those considering an apprenticeship and to dispel many of the myths that deter people.
Year joined apprenticeship scheme: 1988
Location: Guildford
What was your path to choosing to follow the apprenticeship route vs. university?
At the time I had applied for a couple of 6th form college placements to do maths, physics and chemistry A-levels, but also engineering apprenticeships with British Aerospace (now BAE Systems) and the British Army. Even though I had applied to colleges and achieved the right GCSE grades to go, I wanted to do something more practical and hands-on, rather than traditional academic courses.
After a number of selection centres and tests, the BAE Systems acceptance letter came back faster than the Army’s – so signed up for a four year programme with BAE Systems, with 4 days on-site and 1 day attending college.
Why BAE Systems’ apprenticeship scheme?
The company’s clear view for the whole four year scheme. It was very well structured and communicated from day one, which took the anxiety out of making the decision to go for it.
What was your key takeaway/experience as an apprentice?
I got to experience every part of the business over the four years, with emphasis on air frame and design work. However, I found out that I wasn’t cut out for an engineering career. Technically and grades wise, I could have done the work, but I realised that wasn’t where my passion lied. The technician apprenticeship, which was positioned between undergrad and craft apprenticeships, exposed me to a wide range of business and technical areas within BAE Systems. There were (and still are) lots of opportunities in the business to move around during the apprenticeship, which helped to open my mind rather than to narrow it.
How has your apprenticeship experience informed your career now?
Learning through an apprenticeship encouraged me to be adaptive and flexible to trying new things, regardless of whether I thought I would like it or not. It opened my mind to new things that I hadn’t considered or had exposure to previously. Through this experience, my attitude was coached to be more positive and open-minded. While I may have welded my test piece to the bench and burnt holes in my shoes because I wasn’t paying attention to the sparks, I learnt more functional and technical skills that have informed my career, than I believe I would have at college or university.
This experience has helped me to recognise my drive and determination, which has structured and informed my life and career ever since. This is all thanks to the right balance of care, support and encouragement to learn and find new limits – even if I needed a few pushes along the way.
Do you have any advice for those considering apprenticeship schemes?
First of all, go for it! Secondly, while you may go into your apprenticeship thinking one route is right for you, the experience you get and the environments you’ll get exposed to may lead you in another direction, and that’s okay. Apprenticeships are the perfect opportunity to learn, redirect and try new things. Try everything you can. A good apprenticeship scheme will help you try new things and guide your development, but also match your talents and passions, even if they’re not where you originally thought they would be.
I thought I would enjoy welding and airframe manufacture, turned out I didn’t. The benefit though is that even though these (and other aspects of manufacturing) it’s not part of my job now, I can hold conversations with a variety of teams and individuals, which helps us to connect quicker.
Whilst not constrained, most people that apply for apprenticeships are usually just starting their career – straight from school or A-levels. In general, apprenticeship schemes, and in particular the ones at BAE Systems, take the duty of care and support seriously. We want to show how we guide and support the apprentices, without limiting their opportunity to grow and push their potential.
Apprenticeship myth busting:
There’s no point doing an apprenticeship if you’ve already done your A-Levels:
No, this is not true – and a bit misleading. I would’ve had the same choices with or without A-levels. By doing an apprenticeship scheme, you have the opportunity to gain extra qualifications - aligned to your career direction. Also, by having a salary while learning, you learn to be self-sufficient faster. In fact, I learnt a lot more about myself in the first three years of my apprenticeship than I have in the rest of my career.
No, this is not true – and a bit misleading. I would’ve had the same choices with or without A-levels. By doing an apprenticeship scheme, you have the opportunity to gain extra qualifications - aligned to your career direction. Also, by having a salary while learning, you learn to be self-sufficient faster. In fact, I learnt a lot more about myself in the first three years of my apprenticeship than I have in the rest of my career.
Won’t I miss out on the ‘University Lifestyle’?:
To be honest, I don’t miss what I haven’t had. I also had more disposable income to enjoy myself outside of work. If apprentices miss the University experience, then university students definitely miss out on the apprenticeship experience!
I didn’t study Computer Science, am I still eligible?:
100% yes! All apprentices have a wide range of qualifications. Qualifications indicate your ability to learn, but don’t necessarily need to match what you’ll be learning on the apprenticeship.
I’m a little older and my current job doesn’t really have anything to do with IT/Business. Will this matter?:
Not at all. While many assume apprenticeship schemes are only for school leavers, it really isn’t the case. Older candidates hear ‘apprenticeship scheme’ and get put off, but if they saw it as a ‘vocational development programme’ they would see it differently.
There are no age limits, but sadly people put limits on their own potential due to cultural or societal assumptions. The more life skills, confidence, drive and determination you have, the more you will get out of an apprenticeship.
Will I be thrown in at the deep end?:
Most likely, yes – but not without support. An apprenticeship is the time to try new things and challenge yourself. To use the analogy, the deep end isn’t as bad as you think, and there’s more room to grow. You are more likely to hurt yourself if you jump into the shallow end. If you are risk averse, then take a measured jump in the middle of the pool and learn that way.
For example in my area - sales apprentices are assigned to sales teams in their first week to engage customers and markets, and while they may have no idea of what to do, they’re assigned support. It is OK to make mistakes and to fail, failure teaches you more than winning does. If you’ve never lost, made a mistake or struggled, the first time you do will have more of a negative psychological impact. If you learn from the errors, you’ll truly appreciate the small and big wins.
For example, when learning to weld, a task took me 2-3 weeks longer than most, but I kept at it. Eventually I realised it was down to technique, but the achievement and feeling of success I got from solving the issue myself was worth more than if I had done it right the first time.
Year joined apprenticeship scheme: 11 months
Location: London
What was your path to choosing to follow the apprenticeship route vs. university?
I went to University to study International Business. In my final year I completed a coding module and fell in love with it, so I started to teach myself different coding languages. After graduating, I set up my own food truck business ‘The Toast Club’ and also carried on teaching myself coding languages. Owning my own business was such a rewarding experience at 23, however peeling avocados for 9 hours a day made me realise it was not what I wanted to focus on career wise right now.
A year after graduating I decided to take on coding as a full time job which is when I started looking for apprenticeships, and found BAE Systems’ apprenticeship scheme, which was perfect!
Why BAE Systems’ apprenticeship scheme?
Out of all the companies running similar apprenticeship schemes, BAE Systems had the best offer. Training is included from start to finish and from a reputable training provider. The prospects and opportunities advertised at the end of the apprenticeship scheme were fantastic, the company has a good reputation as an employer and the salary for the apprenticeship scheme was also attractive.
What was your key takeaway/experience as an apprentice?
No one is ‘too good’ or ‘too experienced’ to do an apprenticeship. Everyone on the scheme when I joined already had degrees and previous job experience beforehand, but none of us were afraid to take a ‘step back’ in terms of career levels to grow into something we loved.
How has your apprenticeship experience informed your career now?
Before joining the scheme, I had all the base knowledge I needed to become a Junior Software Engineer, but I didn’t know how to put it all into practise. I didn’t know the best practises, how applications worked together, how to test my application etc. The apprenticeship provided me with the tools to kick-start my career, and in a year I have been able to work efficiently as a Junior Software Engineer on two projects within BAE Systems.
Do you have any advice for those considering apprenticeship schemes?
Go for it! It doesn’t matter what you have done in the past or how old you are, an apprenticeship is the perfect way to get the right experience for the career path you want. This apprenticeship has helped me to build the career path that I want to be in for the rest of my life, so it is invaluable.
Apprenticeship myth busting:
There’s no point doing an apprenticeship if you’ve already done your A-Levels:
My school and other local schools promoted either apprenticeships or University after A-Levels.
Won’t I miss out on the ‘University Lifestyle’?:
I got the best of both worlds, but I would say that you can still have a fun lifestyle while doing an apprenticeship, e.g. move to a different city (if that’s what you want), socialise with the others on the apprenticeship. The added bonus is that you will be earning money whilst doing it!
I didn’t study Computer Science, am I still eligible?:
I didn’t study Computer Science either. No one in my apprenticeship group did, so that isn’t an issue!
I’m a little older and my current job doesn’t really have anything to do with IT/Business. Will this matter?:
It doesn’t matter what age you are or what experience you have, as long as you are eager to learn and a hard worker, the apprenticeship will provide everything else.
Will I be thrown in at the deep end?:
I wasn’t put into work until 4 months of teaching. So I definitely wasn’t thrown in at the deep end too soon.
Year joined apprenticeship scheme: 2013
Location: Leeds
What was your path to choosing to follow the apprenticeship route vs. university?
I always wanted to do an apprenticeship rather than university, I had a number of jobs while doing my-A Levels and preferred the practical side of working to just studying.
I always wanted to do an apprenticeship rather than university, I had a number of jobs while doing my-A Levels and preferred the practical side of working to just studying.
What was your key takeaway/experience as an apprentice?
My key takeaway would be to learn and ask as many questions as you can. As an apprentice, we were given six month rotations on different projects and had the opportunity to work with some incredibly talented people on very exciting work. Absorb as much of that knowledge and experience as possible. This experience and insight is invaluable to your career and is something that apprentices will acquire more than university graduates will.
How has your apprenticeship experience informed your career now?
The apprenticeship scheme has allowed me to identify and follow pursue a career as a Platform Engineer. It has given me a lot more confidence and an opportunistic attitude when approaching new and unfamiliar work. I think this is because we were regularly put into circumstances we weren’t accustom to, whether that be new project roles or delivering presentations to clients or attending open days at schools or colleges.
Do you have any advice for those considering apprenticeship schemes?
I would say that when applying for apprenticeship schemes, whether it be BAE Systems’ or other ones, always look for and ask what type of support and training opportunities apprentices are given. Overall, I would recommend an apprenticeship for anyone who has doubts about going to university or full time education and prefers hands-on experience.
Apprenticeship myth busting:
There’s no point doing an apprenticeship if you’ve already done your A-Levels:
I couldn’t disagree more, there are so many apprenticeship schemes which require A-level qualifications and can gift you the opportunity of foundation degrees and other university equivalent qualifications (without the student debt as well).
Won’t I miss out on the ‘University Lifestyle’?:
To be honest, I did slightly feel like I was missing out on all the “fresher” events when I first joined as an apprentice and my friends were all at university. However, this quickly changed once I made friends with the other apprentices in my year and we had our own nights out and social events. Also on a “cheekier” note, you will have more disposable income to spend than those at university might.
I didn’t study Computer Science, am I still eligible?:
Yes, my school and sixth form didn’t even have a Computer Science subject at the time and this wasn’t a requirement when I applied.
I’m a little older and my current job doesn’t really have anything to do with IT/Business. Will this matter?
No, the focus is more on an individual’s attitude and potential when applying for an apprenticeship, rather than past experience.
Will I be thrown in at the deep end?
I was thrown into the deep end on occasion, but I was always given the “life float” of great support from colleagues and my career managers.
Year joined apprenticeship scheme: September 2019
Location: London
What was your path to choosing to follow the apprenticeship route vs. university?
Whilst in school I realised that I would prefer kick-starting my career quickly and with hands-on training through an apprenticeship, rather than continuing in full-time education. I don’t see it as a choice between University or apprenticeship as you can still do a degree equivalent/other qualifications whilst working as an apprentice, so I felt it was a good middle ground.
Whilst in school I realised that I would prefer kick-starting my career quickly and with hands-on training through an apprenticeship, rather than continuing in full-time education. I don’t see it as a choice between University or apprenticeship as you can still do a degree equivalent/other qualifications whilst working as an apprentice, so I felt it was a good middle ground.
I also wanted to earn money while learning, and I feel the experience you gain as an apprentice outweighs the formal class room learning at University, especially when it comes to beginning your career. In an apprenticeship you also get the opportunity to move around different departments and teams, which gives you a wide breadth of knowledge and guidance into which areas you want to focus on – this was invaluable to me.
Why BAE Systems’ apprenticeship scheme?
BAE Systems is a fantastic company with a proven group wide record in training apprentices. The engineering heritage suits my personality as much of the work is quite hands-on, which meant interesting work and interesting customers.
The variety of projects that you can also get involved in is great – from internal projects, policing, international, government etc.
What was your key takeaway/experience as an apprentice?
I’m still working as an apprentice, so I may not have reached the top takeaway experience, but for me it has been working with a number of innovative external organisations and understanding how they complement BAE Systems capabilities, which I’ve found to be compelling.
Also from a soft skills perspective, I have been entrusted with autonomy and responsibility early in my career, which has given me the opportunity to develop quickly.
How has your apprenticeship experience informed your career now?
The apprenticeship has given me a great base of soft skills to build upon and I have developed a strong network of colleagues that I can depend on and learn from. From the hands-on learning, I have also developed a broad understanding of cyber security and defence, and gained insights that will truly shape my career.
Do you have any advice for those considering apprenticeship schemes?
Apprenticeships are great. They provide professionals of all ages and experience with a good compromise of on the job experience and formal training/learning. They are a great way to launch your career and learn about different offerings and clients, which helps you to develop skills that you will rely on for your whole career.
Apprenticeship schemes are a great alternative to university for formal training, especially if you do not feel the university class room based learning would suit you.
Apprenticeship myth busting:
There’s no point doing an apprenticeship if you’ve already done your A-Levels:
Not at all. A-Levels do not prepare you for working. Apprenticeships provide you with the experience and skills to build and craft your own career, even if you aren’t fully certain what that is going to be yet.
Not at all. A-Levels do not prepare you for working. Apprenticeships provide you with the experience and skills to build and craft your own career, even if you aren’t fully certain what that is going to be yet.
Apprenticeships are a great way to accelerate your introduction to the workplace and build the skills you’ll need forever.
Won’t I miss out on the ‘University Lifestyle’?:
You may miss out on the traditional ‘University Lifestyle’. However, you substitute that with the ‘professional lifestyle’ where you can still go out for beers with new friends and colleagues. Also, having an apprenticeship will allow you to afford a different type of lifestyle and start saving for a car/house earlier than you would be able to if you went to university.
I didn’t study Computer Science, am I still eligible?:
I didn’t study computer science either. Computer Science is a fantastic technical skill, but it does not provide you with all the skills you need. You will pick up technical skills as you go, and you can work with technical people where appropriate – that’s what they’re there for.
I’m a little older and my current job doesn’t really have anything to do with IT/Business. Will this matter?:
I joined BAE Systems with no previous experience in IT or security. I was 4 years older than a typical school leaver. You would be surprised what experience you have from different unrelated jobs you can draw on throughout the apprenticeship. BAE Systems is a very diverse company and respects experience from different backgrounds.
Will I be thrown in at the deep end?:
You will be thrown in at the deep end, but you will be given the support you need to thrive. I enjoy challenges and the apprenticeship provides the right balance of responsibility and support so you can do meaningful work, without getting unduly stressed that you aren’t able to do it to the correct standard.
Year joined apprenticeship scheme: December 2019
Location: Guildford
What was your path to choosing to follow the apprenticeship route vs. university?
I wasn’t entirely sure what career path to follow, which is why I decided not to go to university. I preferred the idea of an apprenticeship as it meant I could learn on the job and gain work experience at the same time.
Why BAE Systems’ apprenticeship scheme?
I liked the idea of gaining a recognised qualification within a well-known organisation. The company has a great reputation and the opportunity for a permanent position once I have completed my apprenticeship was very appealing.
What was your key takeaway/experience as an apprentice?
I’m only half way through my apprenticeship, but a key experience for me has been getting involved in internal schemes, such as the Future Talent Council and the National Apprentice Council (NAC). In addition to making new friends at college.
How has your apprenticeship experience informed your career now?
So far, the apprenticeship has taught me key HR skills, which I wouldn’t have learnt at university and will be invaluable to my career.
Do you have any advice for those considering apprenticeship schemes?
Do it! I would recommend BAE Systems apprenticeship scheme to anyone who wants to gain work experience alongside a qualification. It will open up a lot of opportunities.
Apprenticeship myth busting:
Won’t I miss out on the ‘University Lifestyle’?:
An apprenticeship does not give you a university lifestyle, but you earn money whilst you learn, you make friends through the scheme and you don’t come out with huge debt!
Will I be thrown in at the deep end?
Before starting my apprenticeship, I did worry that my work load and my college work would prove too much, but I have a dedicated college day to complete my college work which doesn’t impact on my day-to-day work.
Year joined apprenticeship scheme: September 2013
Location: Leeds
What was your path to choosing to follow the apprenticeship route vs. university?
I didn’t hugely enjoy the classroom environment at school. I was average in most classes. I didn’t enjoy traditional IT at school, as it was mostly based on using excel and other Microsoft office tools. But, I did enjoy being hands-on and built servers at home after school.
I knew university wasn’t for me as I’m not an academic learner, I’m very hands-on and manual in the way that I learn. And as I wasn’t keen on going to university, the student debt was also off putting.
Why BAE Systems’ apprenticeship scheme?
I hadn’t considered an apprenticeship until BAE Systems did a talk at my college and introduced the apprenticeship scheme to my year. From speaking to the guys who ran the talk, I got an interview and got onto the scheme. I even got a degree through the apprenticeship in Applied Computing.
Also, the engineering opportunities local to me were very traditional. BAE Systems is a big and attractive company with some big customer names.
What was your key takeaway/experience as an apprentice?
Since starting my apprenticeship, I have worked with university graduates (usually aged 23-24), and at 20 years old I already had more experience than them. The apprenticeship scheme gave me a big head start to my career and this example was confirmation that I had made the right choice. I now train graduates using the on the job skills I gained through the scheme.
How has your apprenticeship experience informed your career now?
Through the scheme, I have a thorough knowledge on most areas of the business. I am now confident presenting, since I had the opportunity to deliver talks at various colleges and presented to managing directors, which I wouldn’t have had the opportunity to do through standard engineering training. Through the variety of business, personal and technical skills that I have gained through the scheme, I am confident talking with big-name clients, and I don’t believe I would have got this combination of skills and confidence by going to university.
Do you have any advice for those considering apprenticeship schemes?
Look into and understand how you learn best. I excelled and enjoyed the apprenticeship scheme because I am hands-on, and don’t thrive through a reading based environment – I am a doer. I also learn best from working in a team, through the scheme we have the opportunity to work with professionals from the start who provide one-to-one support and mentoring.
Apprenticeship myth busting:
An assumption that was pressed on me from school was that apprentices ‘wear overalls’ and it’s only for ‘tradesman’. This couldn’t have been further from the truth. Apprenticeships are for all careers, no matter where you are starting or where you want to go.
There’s no point doing an apprenticeship if you’ve already done your A-Levels:
Couldn’t disagree more. A-levels give you a bit of a head start, but it’s also not a reason to worry if you have or don’t have them.
Couldn’t disagree more. A-levels give you a bit of a head start, but it’s also not a reason to worry if you have or don’t have them.
Won’t I miss out on the ‘University Lifestyle’?:
Depends on your individual outlook. I met a lot of friends through the scheme, and still had a lot of opportunities to socialise and go out. Personally, I don’t feel like I’ve missed out at all – and I got to earn while doing it.
Depends on your individual outlook. I met a lot of friends through the scheme, and still had a lot of opportunities to socialise and go out. Personally, I don’t feel like I’ve missed out at all – and I got to earn while doing it.
I didn’t study Computer Science, am I still eligible?:
Prior to the apprenticeship, I studied Physics, Maths, Product Design and Art A-levels, and software in my spare time. While I didn’t have a formal qualification in computer science, grades in general aren’t a defining factor. Personality and determination are more important.
Prior to the apprenticeship, I studied Physics, Maths, Product Design and Art A-levels, and software in my spare time. While I didn’t have a formal qualification in computer science, grades in general aren’t a defining factor. Personality and determination are more important.
I’m a little older and my current job doesn’t really have anything to do with IT/Business. Will this matter?:
Age doesn’t matter. If you’re in it to learn, and you’re willing and confident, the sky’s the limit.
Age doesn’t matter. If you’re in it to learn, and you’re willing and confident, the sky’s the limit.
Will I be thrown in at the deep end?:
Yes, but it’s nothing to be scared of. You aren’t under a great deal of pressure, and it’s good to take on challenges. Through the scheme, you always have the right support from mentors and colleagues when you need it.
Yes, but it’s nothing to be scared of. You aren’t under a great deal of pressure, and it’s good to take on challenges. Through the scheme, you always have the right support from mentors and colleagues when you need it.
