Ismail was 15 when he decided to pursue engineering as a career. “Coming from my culture and background (Pakistan), it was very much about going to university and getting a degree. However, a degree and apprenticeship have combined benefits,” Ismail told Asian Voice. He is currently an Engineering Degree apprentice at BAE Systems.
BAE Systems provides some of the world’s most advanced, technology-led defence, aerospace and security solutions, and employs a skilled workforce of some 89,600 people in more than 40 countries. Working with customers and local partners, the company develops, engineers, manufactures, and support products and systems to deliver military capability, protect national security and people, and keep critical information and infrastructure secure. There are more than 50 types of apprenticeship programmes on offer at BAE Systems, which will reopen for applications on 1st November 2021.
Apprenticeship programmes aren’t just for school or college leavers; almost 10% of BAE Systems’ apprentices are over 25, and for those facing uncertainty in the current climate, they provide a wide range of opportunities to retrain. They have doubled the type of apprenticeship programmes they offer to more than 50 in recent years, including options to study up to degree and master's levels. Opportunities are available in a variety of diverse roles, including accountancy, human resources, electronic systems design, software development, joinery and mechanical fitting.
When asked why he decided to pursue this apprenticeship programme at BAE Systems, Ismail told Asian Voice, “When I was completing my A-Levels, thinking about what to do next, I saw the government’s website where you can find all the degree apprenticeships. That’s where I found BAE Systems and decided to apply. Some of the things to be aware of is to make very clear in your application why you have a passion for engineering, why it is the right apprenticeship for you, why it will help the company and how you can benefit from each other and contribute to continuous success.”
Ismail further emphasised that candidates should prepare for any interview as much as possible including researching the apprenticeship, the company and qualifications they will gain. “Making themselves understood as clearly as possible so that they are able to convince the interviewer that they are the right candidate is key,” Ismail told the newsweekly.
Explaining the advantage of pursuing an engineering degree alongside an apprenticeship, Ismail said, “I’ll get a degree and have gained important knowledge from university, whilst receiving the benefits of an apprenticeship, which is all about learning on the job. This also means I’m getting a salary alongside my education. That might be a deciding factor for a lot of future apprentices and candidates. For me, it's the best of both worlds and it worked out very well.”
The pre-requisite and curriculum
Do candidates need a prior background in science to pursue this apprenticeship? Ismail said, “No, but my experience was in A-Level subjects including Maths, Physics, and Design & Technology. They are relevant to engineering.”
Throwing more light on the Aerospace apprenticeship that Ismail is currently undertaking at BAE Systems, he explained in detail what it encompasses. Ismail said, “The apprenticeship is five years long. The first six months were full-time studying, consisting of university degree studies. The qualifications gained during this time are level 2 or level 3 diplomas and the degree for the first three years is called a foundation degree.”
Ismail further elaborated that the apprenticeship is about learning practical skills. He said, “During the first three years of the apprenticeship, I undertook six placements. Each placement covered a different area of the Air business. For example, one could be in design, one could be supporting the customer and one could be working on the aircraft hands-on.
“All apprentices then have a choice to make as to where they want to spend their last two years and in which part they would like to specialise. That’s where we kick start our career from.”
That's when Ismail decided to stay in a systems engineering role. He further added, “The nature of the work suits my style and type of engineering.
The assets of an apprenticeship
We asked Ismail to explain his role to our readers in layman’s terms so that they can understand more about BAE Systems and make good use of his experience. In his current position, he supports BAE Systems’ export customer contracts by developing and maintaining the aerospace products that are delivered to them.
“We ensure the functionality and performance of the product is exactly what the customer wants. That whole element of ensuring we meet their expectations is completed by various phases of the product life cycle. That includes understanding the customer’s requirements and understanding our supply chain. It’s about documenting the design so that engineers who are making the product are following the correct process – the ultimate goal is delivering high-quality products that meet our customers’ requirements,” Ismail explained.
It is imperative to note that this kind of apprenticeship requires a certain level of discipline and approach.
Ismail seconds this. He said, “The type of discipline and attitude I have, or an apprentice should have, is to take in everything that they are being exposed to. When I started the role, I understood that there’s a contract and there’s an export customer. My job as an apprentice is to understand exactly what the customer wants and try to break it down as much as possible and try to ask the right questions so that I can deliver.”
While he emphasised the importance of clarity and articulation, Ismail also said, “I understand what my responsibilities are and what I need to deliver, because I contribute to the bigger picture of delivering to our customers.”
According to Ismail, processing information, asking the right questions, being eager to understand, consistent learning, and being curious about what other people are doing helps to build a solid understanding of the project. “It’s up to me as to how I make the most out of my apprenticeship,” he said.
The benefits of apprenticeships
The post-Covid era is potentially going to be all about skill-based employment that comes from specialised training. In that context, we asked Ismail about how he thinks an apprenticeship with BAE Systems helps in meeting his aspirations. He said, “I think the skills that I’ve learnt during this apprenticeship gives me a solid foundation for my career.”
“Given the uncertainties that we are living with, I am confident that the apprenticeship has given me a good starting point for.”
A study published by BAE Systems suggests that young people identify continuous learning, a good salary and stability as key priorities. Engineering, technology and digital are among the top industries which young people believe hold the best long-term career opportunities, in light of the pandemic. Almost two thirds (63%) of young people have or would consider an apprenticeship.
Will the industry change in the post-Covid era for apprentices like Ismail?
He said, “The pandemic has definitely opened new doors and new ways of working. However, the nature of my role will mean that having the ability to collaborate with my colleagues is still very important. One of the most valuable parts of an apprenticeship is learning from your colleagues who have years of experience so it’s important to be able to build those relationships”.
