What made you choose an apprenticeship as a career route?

Since learning about apprenticeships in school, I have been intrigued by the idea of working while completing my degree – a perfect option for me. As an individual, I enjoy being challenged and proactive, and I knew this would be the case as a degree apprentice, since I would have the opportunity to develop both academically and professionally.

I am glad to be completing my apprenticeship at Leonardo, where I can not only make a positive contribution, but also learn from field experts while applying the theoretical knowledge from my degree to my day-to-day work.

What is your day-to-day role like?

Throughout my apprenticeship journey, I have moved between different placements to understand the holistic role and contributions of each department at Leonardo. This means the structure of my days changes depending on my placement. For example, during one Project Management placement, I worked on a bid to create the project management plan, whereas in my Quality Assurance (QA) placement, I was more involved on the manufacturing floor. My day tends to vary, and no two days are the same. Sometimes I have numerous meetings, training sessions or activities to complete for project deadlines.

Currently, I am working in Institutional Affairs and Communications, and my role is much more fluid due to the changing political environment. It can involve engaging with stakeholders, organising visits or creating documents that summarise Leonardo's impact in different regions across the UK. Regardless, this placement has been an incredible learning opportunity, as my perspective has shifted from a project focus to a more strategic lens.

What are the interesting projects you have worked on during your apprenticeship?

By rotating placements, I have worked on a range of projects, including CRENIC, Stormshadow and Tempest, after being accepted into the Tempest Cross Partner Mentoring Scheme, which will provide the technology, skills and expertise to develop a Next Generation Combat Air System.

By working on a variety of our products, I am able to gain a better understanding of the company as a whole, our capabilities and the impact we have on the defence industry overall. Having a holistic view of Leonardo offers the opportunity to follow and understand the progression of each project, which is beneficial for my future career and enables me to support my placements within each department as effectively as possible.

What has been the best thing about your apprenticeship? Has anything surprised you?

There have been many highlights throughout my apprenticeship, but overall, the best aspect has been the network I have built. The supportive and welcoming nature of all my placements has allowed my development and contributions to the teams to exceed my initial expectations. There is a strong eagerness to share knowledge, think innovatively and support one another’s growth – which has been truly encouraging to see.

Is there anyone that you would like to thank or that you’d say has been the biggest influence on your success?

I would like to express my gratitude to my parents and sisters, who have been the biggest influence on my success. They always encourage me to do my best and aim as high as possible, and without their continuous support, I certainly would not have achieved as much as I have.

At Leonardo, I want to thank everyone I have worked with so far, especially the apprentice managers. Everyone has been very welcoming and is eager to share their knowledge and opportunities, helping me excel during my apprenticeship. I have learned so much over the three years I have been here, and I am excited to see what the future holds.

What have been your biggest achievements at Leonardo so far?

I have had many achievements throughout my degree apprenticeship journey so far, from obtaining the highest grades at university and earning an Association for Project Management (APM) Project Management Qualification accreditation, to actively supporting the projects I work on during my placements.

Through my efforts as Communications Lead & Secretary in the Ethnicity Inclusion Network, I was appointed Vice Chair, making me the youngest Vice Chair of any of our employee-led networks. In this role, I have had the opportunity to host events at all our UK sites, collaborate with partner organisations like Association for Black and Ethnic Minority Engineers (ABFE), and work towards creating a more inclusive working environment for everyone.

Throughout my degree apprenticeship, I have been offered countless opportunities, ranging from the Tempest Cross Partner Mentoring Scheme to representing the business at the Farnborough International Air Show and even trailing a Typhoon simulator at RAF Coningsby.

As a STEM Ambassador, I have the opportunity to work with schools and students interested in the engineering industry. In addition to organising and attending STEM events like careers fairs, I project managed the CSES Fresh Air Fresh Thinking project, which allowed Leonardo apprentices to help enthusiastic primary and secondary school students study the effects of pollution in everyday life. I was also part of the winning team for the IMechE Apprentice Automation Challenge 2022, where we won both the Overall Winner Award and the Peer Review Award.

These are just a few of my highlights that have contributed to my winning regional and national awards, including the Judges’ Choice Apprentice of the Year at the 2023 Multicultural Apprenticeship Awards and Leonardo Apprentice of the Year 2024.

Would you recommend an apprenticeship to people looking to make a first step in their career?

I would definitely recommend an apprenticeship to anyone considering one. By working in industry while studying for a degree, you can apply what you have learned directly to your role. You will gain invaluable work experience while also being exposed to countless opportunities that allow you to excel and make the most of your apprenticeship before becoming a full-time employee. Apprenticeships are a catalyst for young professionals and truly provide a platform for individuals to try new things, develop themselves, and, overall, make a positive impact.