<p data-start="191" data-end="315">To celebrate <strong>National Apprenticeship Week</strong>, we caught up with two of our apprentices to hear all about their <a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/apprenticeships?utm_source=ma… experiences.</a></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><em>What is your name and what apprenticeship are you currently doing?</em></p><p><strong>Tautvyde:</strong> My name is Tautvyde Kudarauskaite, though I’m also known as Toad. I am currently in the first year of my Level 4 Technical Apprenticeship with Airbus, specialising in Quality.</p><img src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/Tautvyde.jpg" data-entity-uuid="d397db46-b09e-499f-b516-e7da2f3691c1" data-entity-type="file" width="1920" height="2028"><p>&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Marcus:</strong> My name is Marcus Pan and I’m doing an electrical apprenticeship. I work for Holden electrical.</p><img src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/Marcus%20SPARKS%20Comp.jpg" data-entity-uuid="000bf346-9276-40a0-a4f6-993aa704ea55" data-entity-type="file" width="1280" height="720"><p>&nbsp;</p><p><em>What type of tasks are you required to do in your current role?</em></p><p><strong>Tautvyde:</strong> This apprenticeship is built on four years of continuous, fast-paced learning. I rotate placements every 3–6 months, which means as soon as I’m comfortable in one area, I’m moving on to the next challenge. While moving teams frequently might seem daunting, Airbus ensures we have the time to integrate properly before we’re expected to contribute. This structure offers me new learning every single week, which I’d never give up for something repetitive.</p><p><strong>Marcus:</strong> I do mainly domestic electrical work like rewires and extensions but I’ve also done some commercial jobs in schools and offices.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><em>What are some of the main skills you have learned so far, and how will they help your future career?</em></p><p><strong>Tautvyde: </strong>The biggest lesson so far has been patience. In an industry as massive as aerospace, it takes time to get the "knack" of how things work. By being patient, I’ve learned not to over-promise on tasks I can’t yet deliver, which makes my progress feel stable and authentic, while also learning not to feel disappointed when I can’t master everything during a single placement.</p><p>This patient approach feeds directly into my work with teamwork and problem-solving. In Quality, we are at the center of complex, evolving issues that don't have easy answers. By understanding my own current strengths and being honest about my weaknesses, I can contribute more effectively to the team rather than feeling like I have to carry the weight of a solution all by myself. Aerospace is never as straightforward as it seems, it’s a giant puzzle, and developing that analytical, collaborative mindset early on is invaluable for tackling the issues that arise on the shop floor.</p><p><strong>Marucs:</strong> Some of the main skills I’ve learned so far is communication, problem solving and planning. Throughout my apprenticeship I’ve had to communicate with colleagues and customers so my communication skills have improved. While working you sometimes face problems and have to think quick on how to overcome the problems.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><em>Are there any standout successes you’d like to describe?</em></p><p><strong>Tautvyde:</strong> The standout for me is the sheer volume of opportunities available outside of my primary job description. I’ve volunteered for college open evenings, the Airbus-led Flying Start Challenge, and various career talks. Most notably, I am currently the only Apprentice Ambassador at Weston College, where I represent my entire cohort by providing direct feedback to improve the apprenticeship experience. Being able to represent both my peers and the company while showing future students that engineering is a feasible, exciting career path brings me a lot of fulfillment.</p><p>I also get the chance to participate in many sustainability talks, which is a topic incredibly important to me. It has really deepened my understanding of the global impact a company of this scale can have. Being involved in these discussions allows me to see how we can make a positive difference in the world, giving me a real sense of pride knowing that my own values align with the company I work for.</p><p><strong>Marcus:</strong> During my apprenticeship I was given the chance to enter the regional sparks competition and won.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><em>What support have you received during your apprenticeship?</em></p><p><strong>Tautvyde:</strong> The support structure is one of the best parts of this route. I have a network of managers, which is a huge advantage-I always know exactly who to go to for specific queries without feeling like I’m "bombarding" one specific person. Between my Assessor for college work, an HR Manager for employment matters, an Apprentice Manager for the overall scheme, and my individual Placement Managers, I am never without a point of contact. This rotation ensures that you’re always supported by someone you connect with.</p><p><strong>Marcus:</strong> I’ve learned a lot with my company and they’ve helped me get to where I am today.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><em>What part of your apprenticeship do you enjoy the most?</em></p><p><strong>Tautvyde:</strong> Honestly, it’s the freedom of not having to have my entire life figured out yet. These four years are designed for discovery. Airbus is incredible at providing "extracurricular" growth—whether it’s joining unions, attending high-level training, or participating in company events. You aren't just a number, you’re an investment. The sheer amount of resources Airbus pours into our development makes me incredibly proud to work here and confident that I’ll be fully prepared for a permanent role whatever that may be.</p><p><strong>Marcus:</strong> What I enjoy most about my apprenticeship is the people who I work with as we are all close and working feels fun.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><em>Do you have any ideas of what you want to do after your apprenticeship?</em></p><p><strong>Tautvyde: </strong>Not yet, and I’ve learned that’s perfectly okay. Being in the first year, there is zero pressure to have a final destination in mind. The whole point of this journey is to spend time figuring out what I enjoy and where I excel.</p><p><strong>Marcus:</strong> After my apprenticeship the main goal is to start my own company.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><em>Would you recommend others to do an apprenticeship?</em></p><p><strong>Tautvyde:</strong> I am a huge advocate for this path. If you want a route that leaves you with zero debt, a massive amount of industry experience, and high-standard qualifications, an apprenticeship is the way to go. There is no "catch"—it really is as good as it sounds.</p><p>My biggest piece of advice is to not talk yourself out of applying just because you feel you lack experience. At this stage, companies like Airbus aren't looking for a finished product, they are looking for a bright personality, a curiosity for how things work, and a genuine eagerness to learn.</p><p>However, don't just take any apprenticeship because of the benefits or the 'no debt' factor. Long-term satisfaction comes from working for a company that brings you fulfilment and aligns with your true self. Research, research, and research again. Look into the company's values, their sustainability goals, and how they treat their people. Never settle for just any role, find the one where you’ll be proud to wear the badge every day.</p><p><strong>Marcus: </strong>I would definitely recommend an apprenticeship as you get paid to learn. Even though the pay might not be a lot it’s still great to be paid for learning.</p>

<p>Weston College is celebrating the launch of its first cohort of <strong>Engineering Foundation Apprenticeships</strong>, with 21 learners enrolling with <strong>GKN Aerospace</strong> this week. This represents almost <strong>two thirds of all Foundation Apprenticeship starts nationally</strong> since the programme launched in August 2025.</p><p>The milestone comes as new national figures show that just 36 Foundation Apprentices have started across England in the first three months of the government-backed initiative, highlighting the significance of <strong>Weston College’s early progress</strong> in delivering the programme with <strong>GKN Aerospace</strong>.</p><p>Introduced by the government in August 2025, the <strong>Engineering Foundation Apprenticeship</strong> is designed to provide a <strong>supportive entry route into technical careers for young people</strong> who may not yet be ready to start a full Level 2 apprenticeship. <strong>Weston College’s partnership with GKN Aerospace</strong> has resulted in one of the largest early cohorts nationally, positioning the College and the employer as early adopters of the new pathway.</p><p>The 21 apprentices were officially onboarded this week, with <strong>Weston College</strong> staff attending the <strong>GKN Aerospace</strong> site to support induction and welcome learners onto the programme.</p><p>All recruits are enrolled on the <strong>Engineering Foundation Apprenticeship</strong>, which places emphasis on <strong>attitude, curiosity and motivation</strong>, rather than formal academic achievement. There are no minimum academic entry requirements, ensuring the programme is accessible to young people with the potential to succeed in engineering.</p><p>The <strong>Foundation Apprenticeship lasts eight months</strong> and is delivered through a block-release model, shared between Weston College and GKN Aerospace. The programme begins with a strong focus on <strong>employability skills, confidence building and workplace behaviour</strong>s, before progressing into technical learning and practical industry experience.</p><p>On completion, learners can move on to a <strong>Level 2 Engineering Operative Apprenticeship</strong>, followed by a possible progression onto a <strong>Level 3 Engineering Technician Apprenticeship</strong>, creating a clear progression and career development pathway within the sector.</p><p><strong>GKN Aerospace</strong> has taken a deliberately different and innovative approach to recruitment for the programme, focusing on potential rather than prior attainment. By removing minimum academic entry requirements and working closely with Weston College to reach young people who are NEET or at risk of becoming NEET, the company <strong>has widened access to engineering careers while building a strong future talent pipeline for the business</strong>.</p><p>The new apprentices have spoken positively about the opportunity and their future ambitions in engineering. Harry said: “I am excited about starting this foundation apprenticeship. I see it as an excellent entry point into a great career. I am passionate about mechanical and scientific work and prefer hands-on learning, which is why an apprenticeship is the ideal route for me. I am committed to building a long-term career with GKN Aerospace and am open to progressing to higher qualification levels in the future.”</p><p>Rubie added: “This feels like the right opportunity for me as it aligns with my long-standing interest in engineering. I want to pursue my career ambitions while I am young and see this apprenticeship as a strong foundation for the future. I am open to seeing where the apprenticeship leads but would like to work towards a Level 6 qualification in the long term.”</p><p>With employer demand continuing to grow and further cohorts already under discussion, Weston College believes its partnership-led approach could help accelerate the national take-up of <strong>Foundation Apprenticeships</strong>.</p>

<p><a href="https://wescoli.webitrent.com/wescoli_webrecruitment/wrd/run/etrec179gf… here</a></p>