What is your current role?

I'm a 1st year Electronics degree apprentice based at the Leonardo Southampton site.

Why did you decide to become an apprentice?

When I was younger, I had the opportunity to attend a Women in STEM event and they spoke a lot about the different pathways you can go down to get into industry. Some of the ladies explained about the new opportunities available through apprenticeships. I liked the sound of getting to work and study, and always kept this in mind while doing my GCSEs and college.

At college I completed Diploma in Engineering and felt that the classroom environment was giving me a good insight to theory, but I wanted to get more practical experience and understand how what I am learning was actually applied in industry.

What does a typical day look like in your role?

My day will vary depending on if I am at university or work. A uni day consists of attending my classes and completing any coursework I may have. I also spend some time with other apprentices from other companies in my breaks so we can take a mental break during the day between classes.

At work, my day involves working on my current placement (at Leonardo we experience different departments during our apprenticeship) and other apprentice-related activities such as the IMechE Automation Challenge which we are encouraged to take part in. On my placement, I get set tasks to help develop my knowledge and skills that come from real projects. This is a really nice way of working because I feel like I’m really contributing to something while I’m learning.

What is your greatest achievement at Leonardo so far?

My first placement since joining Leonardo has been Integrated circuit (IC) design. I’ve had loads of great opportunities to work on real-life projects and have worked on some really challenging things. I think my favourite achievement was when I completed my first layout in my placement. It took a long time to get it to pass checks and find errors, and it felt really satisfying to have completed it.

Are there any hobbies/activities you take part in outside of your apprenticeship?

Outside of my apprenticeship, I fence. I compete exclusively in épée, although I do sometimes train in the other two weapons (foil and sabre). This takes up a lot of my free time as I compete most weekends up and down the country. I also train in the Great Britain pathway programme which is a training programme run by British fencing.

What are your aspirations for the future?

To complete my apprenticeship to a high level, so I can continue developing my skills and knowledge in electronics. Once I have experienced more placements, I will decide on what kind of role I would like to move into.

In fencing, I also hope to continue competing and training regularly, and perhaps compete in other countries again.

Would you recommend an apprenticeship, and why?

I think apprenticeships are a great option, as they provide on-the-job experience while you complete your studies, which is very valuable.

So far, my apprenticeship has given me the ability to complete my studies in a very supported environment that I do not think you would get by just going to university. For example, I work with talented engineers who have already completed their studies and are able to support mine. Additionally, I can benefit from those in the company who are in the latter years of their apprenticeships, and who can guide and advise me when I have faced challenges.

Even as an apprentice, you have full access to university resources such as the library or student services which gives an extra layer of support.