I'm currently completing a 4 year degree apprenticeship in Aerospace Engineering (Manufacturing pathway) with GKN Aerospace.

I decided to do an apprenticeship instead of going to university as I thought it was the best of both worlds, I could get a degree whilst working, and get valuable experience in the engineering sector! I liked how during the apprenticeship there are multiple placements in the company, meaning I could get experience in different departments before settling on the one I liked most in the last year of my apprenticeship and onwards. I also thought that I'd enjoy an apprenticeship more than university as I prefer using and seeing the things I have learnt into practice- apprentices work on real life products and projects during the apprenticeship, which I found is cool. Lastly, it's amazing that degree apprentices can get a full university degree fully funded, whilst also getting paid on the side! Although I didn't know much about the company before applying for the apprenticeship, I had recognised the name of the company as there were some sites near to where I lived. With further research, I found that the company had a range of departments and purposes, both technical and practical, and they work with a range of other companies such as Airbus and Dassault, which I thought was great. I liked the variety of work within the company and how the company has a friendly community- the apprentice team takes great care of all of the apprentices.

Honestly, I didn't know I wanted to definitely study engineering at first as I had various ideas of what I wanted to go into after school. I was considering engineering as well as environmental science and geography as I enjoyed both physics and geography at school. After researching more about engineering over the previous lockdowns, I took part in some virtual work experiences and there was one where I had learnt about some of the plans for zero emission aircraft. I then realised I could combine my interests in the subjects of physics, geography and the environment within engineering, by potentially helping to decarbonise the aerospace industry!

There have been many highlights, mainly because I did not have much engineering experience before starting the apprenticeship. I enjoyed being able to complete some of the practical level 2 units- if it was not for the apprenticeship I don't think I would have ever welded or made composite parts myself! I have also enjoyed meeting such a range of people at work, college and where I have started to volunteer with GKN.

The support has been great from the staff at Weston. My tutor was always very helpful whenever we needed anything sorted, and the wellbeing team was also great. The teachers for my degree and my level 2 qualification have been helpful when I have asked questions or when I have needed support through examples, templates, etc.

My advice would be to just apply if you are even slightly interested in doing an apprenticeship! I wasn't entirely sure if I wanted to go through with it, but in the end I am very happy and grateful that I did. It is definitely better to apply to various apprenticeships than to regret not doing applying at all!

I'm not entirely sure what I'd like to go into specifically, but I am currently interested in the H2GEAR project, sustainability and cutting down on aircraft emissions so hopefully somewhere within those areas.

Applying to both apprenticeships and university (if considering the two options) is great as if you are not sure on which to go for, you can decide later when you have your offers back! It is less stressful as you would have backup options if things don't go to plan, or if you change your mind last minute! It is much better to decline offers than to not apply at all. Also, if you are not sure on engineering itself, I really recommend to research the industry more. It's great to take part in university summer schools, work experience, read around and ask teachers/those in the industry about their experiences- it could help widen your knowledge and maybe help your uni/apprenticeship applications. As I didn't have much experience in engineering before the apprenticeship, it was really helpful to try and take part in different things to make sure I wanted to go into the industry and apprenticeship!