We are proud to be supporting National Apprenticeship Week 2020, an important annual event that celebrates the achievements of apprentices and qualified apprentices across the UK.
In honour of the event we have asked our three former apprentices (now qualified and permanent team members at Hybrid Air Vehicles) about their apprenticeships and their advice for young people considering an apprenticeship.
Annabel is HAV’s Business Administrator having undertaken a Level 3 Apprenticeship in Business Administration.
After completing my first year of A-Levels I realised that the traditional exam route wasn’t for me as I found exams and the general stress of school too much. Discovering apprenticeships opened my eyes to a way of learning that was much more suited to me.
My apprenticeship was in Business Admin, so I do office administration as well as helping other departments with different tasks. These tasks include setting up suppliers on our Finance Systems and sending out our monthly Newsletter on behalf of Communications, among many other things. So quite varied really!
An apprenticeship is definitely a great alternative to college and university as it gives you a head-start in terms of on-the-job experience. Don’t be scared to go for it if it is something you are seriously considering as it was by far the best option for me and I’m very grateful to have had the opportunity.
Jacob is now a Junior Air Vehicle Technician, having joined HAV on an Engineering Manufacture (Aerospace) Apprenticeship, while studying for a Level 3 NVQ in Aeronautical Engineering (Aircraft Manufacture Mechanical).
I chose to start my career in aviation through an apprenticeship because I felt this was the best way to get into industry. Whilst undertaking my apprenticeship I didn’t only learn the theory aspect at college, but I gained valuable hands-on knowledge from working at Hybrid Air Vehicles.
Day to day I work at the Airlander Technology Centre where projects are very varied, a lot of our work at the moment is testing. This involves taking designs from the engineering department such as the new landing system and changes to equipment used in the build and testing them. Alongside this we’re also updating all of our procedures for when we launch production to ensure we can be as efficient and effective as possible.
To anyone considering an apprenticeship, I would give the advice to just go for it. University never appealed to me, so an apprenticeship was the best option. You gain vital hands-on experience and the company pay for your education. If you impress your company, they may choose to send you on to complete an HNC then onto an HND, which is equivalent to the first year at university.
Like Jacob, Joseph is also a Junior Air Vehicle Technician. Jacob and Joseph both now work at our Airlander Technology Centre. Joseph joined HAV on an Engineering Manufacture (Aerospace) Apprenticeship, while studying for a Level 3 NVQ in Aeronautical Engineering (Aircraft Manufacture Mechanical).
For me it was an easy choice to do an apprenticeship. I never wanted to go to university but still wanted to do higher level education whilst working. As a kid I was always intrigued by aircraft and engineering. I was interested in becoming a pilot but also wanted to work on the ‘tools of the trade’ and couldn’t decide what path to take. So, I combined them together and decided to look for an apprenticeship in the aviation engineering industry. Being an apprentice, you get to learn in the classroom and get hands-on experience at the same time. I wanted to become an apprentice because it’s a great way to get a foot in the door and get into the career that I wanted to pursue whilst gaining valuable experience and education.
I am involved in constructing, developing and testing prototype products with the production team. I have also been involved with updating our production policies and procedures. I also regularly get involved with projects to continuously upgrade the Airlander Technology Centre and to maintain our luxury cabin demonstrator.
An apprenticeship pays for your education and you get hands on skills to use. A lot of companies see apprenticeships as very important, making them valuable on your CV. I highly recommend doing an apprenticeship that you will enjoy and will give you the career you want.
