From sixth form to submarines: Freya's first year as an apprentice

Freya's route to BAE Systems began before she'd even finished sixth form.

Work experience at our shipyard in Barrow gave her an early insight into the work there and the range of careers available. While she had considered university, apprenticeships demonstrated another path that combine academic studies alongside practical work.  

In fact, Freya enjoyed her work experience so much that she now commutes to Barrow each day from her hometown of Blackpool.

"I had taken my A-levels, so the natural next step felt like a degree. An apprenticeship gave me the chance to do that without taking on a student loan", she explains. "I also learn best when I can put things into practice, so the apprenticeship route suits me well because my university modules relate directly to my day-to-day work."

Since starting her apprenticeship, Freya has developed skills in leadership, teamwork and project delivery, while also becoming more confident using tools such as Microsoft Excel.

Among the experiences that have shaped her first year, Freya points to an expedition day in the Lake District National Park as a particular highlight. It was a chance to step outside the workplace, test herself in a different environment and build relationships with new colleagues. 

“Wild camping meant drinking stream water and sleeping in a field in the middle of nowhere - two things I would have said no to before!”, Freya explains. “It pushed me well outside my comfort zone in the best way. I realised I was more resilient and courageous than I had thought.”

Freya has also made new friends along the way. “At BAE Systems, you are in a cohort all going through the same experience. You meet people with similar interests and goals. Not only is this a positive in terms of making new relationships, it also helps with the often-difficult transition to full time work from education,” Freya explains. 

For school leavers weighing up their options, Freya's advice is straightforward: go for it!