Celebrating our apprentices' success UK Apprentice Awards

Rachel has consistently achieved throughout her apprenticeship, from gaining a Distinction and scoring 100% in her End Point Assessment, to finishing runner up in the Manufacturing Apprentice of the Year category at the MAKE UK Awards. Rachel has been heavily involved in many stretch projects throughout her programme, resulting in the creation of the ‘Supply Chain Buddy Scheme.’ An advocate for women in engineering, she has also introduced the Women in Manufacturing and Supply Chain event to BAE Systems. Rachel consistently acts as a positive role model for other apprentices and is a thoroughly deserved winner of this award.

Throughout his apprenticeship, Nathan has demonstrated excellent academic and vocational achievements, receiving consistently outstanding feedback and recognition. Nathan has been innovative in the workplace, modernising practice and developing new skills in automation and robotics. He has also demonstrated outstanding behaviours, taking a proactive leadership role on a charity project for local veterans and providing mentoring support for new apprentices.

Described as an ‘excellent apprentice’, Curtis’ hard work during the Covid-19 pandemic helped him to consistently achieve high grades in both his exams and coursework, resulting in an overall Distinction. Throughout his apprenticeship, Curtis has motivated and supported others, whilst demonstrating excellent leadership skills. During the ‘Outward Bounds’ experience, Curtis participated as an instructor and led a group of apprentices, having fully embraced his own experience.

Claudia is a dynamic and inspirational individual with a passion for people; combining outstanding academic achievement with an exceptional level of emotional intelligence to have significant impact in her field. Her commitment to delivering at the highest level is evident with Claudia continuing to develop her potential post-apprenticeship. Claudia is an excellent ambassador for BAE Systems, who cares about people and the environment she works in.

George’s infectious enthusiasm and motivation is inspirational, with his work on autonomous aircraft, flight control and navigation underpinning his First Class Honours degree. He is now an ambassador and advocate for the industry, both as a BAE Systems industry partner and in his cadet leadership and instructor role, where George has built a flight simulator. He has worked on Typhoon, aerodynamics, FCS navigation and is the lead Software Engineer on the Hawk TIA simulator Project, showing a high level of resilience and determination. The first of his cohort to complete the End Point Assessment, George has developed software to benefit the next generation of pilots.

Despite significant personal challenges, Shaunagh has demonstrated herself as an exceptional apprentice, not only graduating with a First Class Honours Business Management degree but also securing a place on the prestigious Dean’s List at the University of Central Lancashire (UCLan).   A STEM ambassador, attending almost fifty events, where she shared knowledge and best practice, Shaunagh’s willingness to help and support others makes her a true inspiration and a deserving winner of this award.

Achieving a First Class Honours degree, Ben not only secured his qualification but also achieved the highest score of his cohort. Regularly identifying opportunities for learning, Ben continued his education and is currently studying towards an MSc.   A true change agent and an inspiration to many, Ben has constantly applied his learning to his current role, working across AR, Data Science and AI projects.

An inspiring individual, Luke successfully attained a First Class Honours Degree in Cyber Security Digital Solutions. Throughout his time at BAE Systems, he has implemented his technical knowledge and has provided risk reduction and efficiency savings. By sharing his expertise, Luke is supporting people out on the shop floor to better understand and mitigate the risks of cyber security. An outstanding role model for his own cohort and future apprentices, Luke’s professional practice continues, as he prepares to complete a Certified Information Systems Security Professional qualification in 2024.

Undertaking his Higher National Certificate as an accelerated course, whilst completing his SVQ Level 3, Ben achieved over 90% and a Grade A respectively - the highest in his class for Mechanical Engineering. With assessment evidence of such high quality, it is now used as an exemplar for other apprentices, Ben continues to apply his academic knowledge to real, complex work situations. A fantastic ambassador for BAE Systems, Ben has participated in a range of STEM activities with local schools. He is also a member of the Apprentice Council and was part of the first cohort of apprentices to work on the Type 26 shaft line programme, cascading knowledge to BAE Systems Australia colleagues. His personal commitment to prioritise his work and study over his semi-professional footballing career underpins his own drive to succeed.

Natasha is an outstanding individual with a clear understanding of the company’s strategic priorities, particularly in the context of sustainability, where she has used her knowledge and skills in the field of hexavalent chromium to have a global impact. Playing an instrumental role within the next generation environmental stream towards net zero, Natasha consistently acts as a female role model and sustainability champion. Gaining her first insight into a career at BAE Systems through a STEM open day whilst at school, Natasha is now making a significant difference and major contributions to the Company. She also chairs the Women in Engineering Society and was recently awarded a place on the Future Talent Programme.

Demonstrating significant business impact throughout her apprenticeship, Hollie’s drive, ambition and desire for continuous improvement has been evidenced throughout her placements. Playing a significant role in delivering on a number of business improvement initiatives focused on saving costs and improving safety, Hollie has excelled in all aspects of her apprenticeship and is a deserving winner of the Technical Engineering Apprentice of the Year.

Fay’s outstanding passion for her job and dedication to her trade profession has been widely acknowledged.  Working incredibly hard to develop her skills and knowledge as an Ancillary Apprentice, Fay has taken great pride and responsibility in keeping colleagues safe at work. Her resilience and personal determination to succeed is matched by her willingness to help others. Fay is an inspiring individual and a deserving winner of this award.