What is your current role?
I am currently a Degree Apprentice Systems Engineer, based at Leonardo’s site in Southampton, while also studying Embedded Electronics at Solent University.
Why did you decide to become an apprentice?
After I left secondary school, I knew I wanted to do something related to STEM, but I wasn’t quite sure what. At A-level, I chose CTEC Engineering, BTEC Applied Science and A/S Level Mathematical studies, which is where my passion and interest for engineering started to grow.
At the time. I had been an Army Cadet for six years. and I was conflicted between joining the Army and starting a career with the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers or continuing with my studies academically at university.
I heard about Leonardo through my teacher. I wasn’t quite sure what a degree apprenticeship was; I had always thought apprenticeships were more for trades than professional careers. The more I read into it, the more I started to like the idea of doing a degree apprenticeship.
Most universities required maths at A-level, and I couldn’t take A-level maths since I hadn’t done particularly well in that subject during my GCSEs. Thankfully. Leonardo offered a path where I could pursue my interest without being restricted by that.
When I found out that I could be attending a university – all while getting my degree paid for and receiving a salary – I thought that was the obvious choice. With Leonardo in the defence industry, this paired well with my six years spent in Army Cadets. So, in a way, I did end up working indirectly for the Army while pursuing a career in engineering.
What does a typical day look like in your role?
As a second-year apprentice, on Mondays and Tuesdays I attend Solent University where I study Embedded Electronics. This is where I learn most of my theoretical skills and knowledge.
On Wednesdays and Thursdays, I travel onto site, where I’m training as a Systems Engineer. Given system engineering is such a wide field, I’m fortunate to have such a diverse skillset within the team, giving me the opportunity to learn a wide variety of skills and knowledge from different people and then applying this knowledge at university.
On Fridays I usually work from home, consolidating the learning throughout the week from university and Leonardo, organising my KSB (Knowledge, Skills and Behaviours) objectives and continuing with work.
What is your greatest achievement at Leonardo so far?
My greatest achievement in Leonardo so far is being a valuable member of the team. Even as an apprentice at Leonardo, I feel like I’m making a difference, where my opinions are considered and listened to.
Are there any hobbies/activities you take part in outside of your apprenticeship?
Outside of my apprenticeship, I enjoy being creative by making music using Ableton music software, and playing my guitar and bass.
I also enjoy photography and astrophotography. I’ve taken my camera to airshows, capturing photos of military aircrafts – sometimes ones designed by Leonardo. I am trying to learn how to properly do wide-field astrophotography, where I can set my camera up and take pictures of the night sky, and then go back inside, edit them together and produce a great result.
A personal favourite picture of mine is when I spent around an hour outside taking an image of the same location, and when I stacked these images, and played around with the editing, I could see the Andromeda galaxy!
To engage my mind and body, I’m trying to teach myself German, and keep active by going to the gym.
