The general perception is that the world of defence and aerospace engineering is male-dominated. Statistics highlight that approximately only 8% of the UK’s engineering apprentices are female. In comparison, BAE Systems – a leading provider of defence technology - records a higher female representation in its apprenticeship programmes, however there is still work to be done to further increase this.
Khadijah Ismail is in the third year of her engineering degree apprenticeship with BAE Systems’ Air sector, and is changing that stereotype whilst working on one mission at a time.
“Sometimes, I wonder how I got into engineering because I have always been a jack of all trades and master of none. I used to love watching aeroplanes fly past my window and I loved art but I was no artist either.
“I decided to pursue Maths and Physics and later when I won the Arkwright Engineering Scholarship, I realised that I wanted to pursue an A-level in Electronics,” she recalls.
No student debt and industry ready
The rest they say is history. Following her A-levels, Khadijah secured places at various top-notch universities such as Imperial College in London, the University of Manchester and Loughborough University. But somewhere down the line, Khadijah knew that she would not be able to afford the university fees and did not want to take on a large student loan. So, she started looking for apprenticeship schemes online and the five-year degree apprenticeship in Aerospace Engineering with BAE Systems was the solution to help her overcome this barrier. As well as a degree in Aerospace Engineering, the apprenticeship programme requires her to complete a Level 4 Diploma in Engineering and Advanced Manufacturing. The course has been developed by employers to meet the requirements of the engineering sector so that the apprentices are industry-ready.
In her opinion, studying for a diploma alongside her engineering degree provides her with multiple benefits. Khadijah believes her apprenticeship with BAE Systems will give her an edge over other graduates who might be well-versed in theory but may not have the practical experience.
She says, “Firstly, I gain manufacturing experience from day one of my placement, which means that by the time I receive my qualifications I’ll have five years of on-the-job experience that the majority of engineering graduates won’t have. And because I get to work on many different manufacturing and engineering projects, I have the opportunity to speak with a variety of engineers – often the best in their field – every single day. This means that I get to build up a network of contacts, see how they think, how they work, and how they approach a problem first hand. It’s been incredibly enriching. It is not learning theoretical modules alone but their application that makes the degree programme more exciting. Additionally, studying for a degree via an apprenticeship route has allowed me to earn as I learn, which has been a real bonus! “If I was qualifying only for an Engineering Degree at university, I would not have been exposed to all of the other areas that constitute any project, such as project management and the financial aspects.”
Khadijah has worked in a department that oversees several projects, such as fuel control and electrical power generation, among others. Additionally, her apprenticeship is split into multiple areas from concept design to systems engineering. As part of her work, she has been on visits to Spain and Chicago and also played an instrumental role in the development of the new solar-powered High Altitude Long Endurance Unmanned Air Vehicle, PHASA-35.
She says, “The best thing for me was being able to run a system test for a customer. This demonstrates a level of trust the team had in me. I watched the highs and lows of the project. This is the best way to learn because it is during this time that I get to better understand my strengths and also any areas that require improvement, so I can really focus on my personal development.
“This type of project also emphasises that engineering is not about working in isolation, you have to work as part of a team.”
The possibilities of the engineering sector
This year, BAE Systems plans to hire over 800 apprentices making it a record year for the Company’s apprenticeship intake. It provides greater opportunity for others to follow in Khadijah’s footsteps, to break the mould and diversify the workforce even further. However, some girls, especially from an ethnic minority background, are low on confidence whilst considering such courses.
But Khadijah explains that the application process is straightforward. Applicants are required to answer questions around their likes and hobbies, as well as demonstrating passion for engineering. The next stage is a series of online tests. This is then followed by a day at one of the Company’s sites where applicants will attend an interview and participate in a series of activities which are monitored by apprentice supervisors.
Yet, today, some young people are not completely aware of the career paths that are available in the broad scope of engineering. As a STEM ambassador, Khadijah engages in workshops and activities in local schools where she creates awareness about the engineering industry and gives a flavour of what working at BAE Systems is like. She says, “I am not too conscious that I wear a headscarf or that I am one of a few girls in the department and neither do other people create that kind of an atmosphere.
“I want to be a person who inspires anyone who's reluctant to study engineering, from any background, to feel that it's possible and go ahead and do it."
She highlights that BAE Systems has operations across the world. This means that the organisation offers plenty of job opportunities across the globe and the opportunity to make a real difference working across a wide range of programmes. This year the majority of new apprentices at BAE Systems will join either the Air or Maritime sectors, where they will work on nationally important programmes, including developing future combat air technologies for the Royal Air Force and working on the Dreadnought programme – a new generation of submarine for the Royal Navy that will replace the current Vanguard-class.
The apprenticeship recruitment window is now open and will run until 28 February. To apply or to find out more about the opportunities available at BAE Systems, visit:
https://www.baesystems.com/en/careers/careers-in-the-uk/apprenticeships/schemes
