What is your current role?
I am currently working as a Business Graduate Apprentice. I work within the commercial function, engaged with the Customer Support & Services Solutions (CS3) line of business, where I manage the Last Time Buy (LTB) contract for our Captor Radar – which is the primary sensor on Eurofighter Typhoon; my work involves processing orders to ensure continued support and production of the radar for our customers.
What did you study at school?
During my school years, I pursued a diverse range of subjects. In 4th and 5th Years, I focused on English, Maths, Biology, Modern Studies, Business Management and PE at National 5, followed by Highers. In my final year, I sat Higher Politics, Psychology and Advanced Higher Maths.
Why did you choose an apprenticeship?
Opting for an apprenticeship came from a desire to combine practical experience with further education. After spending a year working overseas in India, I attended university in Glasgow briefly but decided it was not the right course and withdrew. I realised the value of hands-on experience through working and the motivation from earning a wage. An apprenticeship provided the ideal opportunity to pursue a degree and professional development at the same time.
What does a typical day/week look like?
A typical week sees me balancing university assignments and my Leonardo work. Mondays and Fridays are dedicated to academic study, where I engage in lectures, prep sessions and assignments. The remaining weekdays are spent at Leonardo, where I start by organising my day, attending to emails, and facilitating communication between stakeholders to manage the LTB orders. This often involves communicating and problem solving within the project team.
What do you get up to outside of work?
Outside of work, I enjoy CrossFit - a mix of weightlifting, gymnastics and cardio! I love the social side of the sport and how motivational everyone is. I have a sausage dog who I enjoy taking for walks, although we often don’t get very far with his short legs.
What are your aspirations for the future?
Looking ahead, I would like to progress within the sector, working on some of the larger Typhoon support contracts and bid activity. This experience would give me exposure to each step of the life-cycle management process and opportunity to develop skills in negotiation and presenting to varied audiences. I also have an interest in the Global Combat Air Programme, which brings together the UK, Japan and Italy to develop the next generation fighter aircraft. It would be an incredible opportunity to work at the cutting edge of defence technology and travel internationally to meet key stakeholders.
Would you recommend an apprenticeship, and why?
I am a huge advocate of apprenticeship programmes. An apprenticeship offers an immersive learning environment, where you can experience dynamic work settings, develop key skills and learn how to manage workloads. Furthermore, it allows you to explore different business areas, helping to form ideas for your career beyond your apprenticeship. The combination of academic learning and on-the-job experience not only develops your skillset but also provides real-life context to learnings from your course.
