National Apprenticeship Week is a fantastic opportunity to highlight the diverse and rewarding pathways available to students beyond traditional university routes. At UTC Portsmouth, apprenticeships are a key destination, with just over 50% of our students moving into apprenticeship programmes after completing their studies.
Apprenticeships offer a unique blend of practical, hands-on learning while gaining industry-recognised qualifications. They range from Level 2 (Intermediate) to Level 7 (Master’s Degree) and vary in length depending on the qualification level and employer requirements. One of the biggest advantages of an apprenticeship is the ability to earn while you learn, gaining invaluable experience and developing industry-specific skills that put apprentices ahead in the job market.
To celebrate National Apprenticeship Week, we spoke to eight of our alumni who have embarked on a range of exciting apprenticeship journeys. From aerospace and civil engineering to project management and the Royal Navy, they shared their insights, experiences, and advice for future UTC Portsmouth students considering an apprenticeship.
Mae - Apprentice at Eaton Aerospace
Mae – Engineering Apprentice at Eaton Aerospace
Mae left UTC Portsmouth last year after taking the combined Engineering and A-Level pathway. She is now an Engineering Apprentice at Eaton Aerospace.
Why did you choose an apprenticeship?
"I decided to follow an apprenticeship route as I felt the on-the-job learning was a better suit for me than attending university full-time. It also allows me to attend university debt-free, meaning I can still earn my degree but have a higher employment chance at the end of the apprenticeship."
What advice would you give those students considering an apprenticeship?
"I think that the best advice would be to try and make the most out of every opportunity, whether this is provided at UTC or externally on work experience placements. These opportunities will all help in the interview process as well as the experience you gain from them being invaluable in knowledge and experience."
Riley - Apprentice at BAE Systems
Riley Webb – Project Manager Apprentice at BAE Systems
Riley left UTC Portsmouth in 2024 after completing an Engineering Certificate and A-Levels. He is now a Project Manager Apprentice at BAE Systems.
How did your time at UTC Portsmouth prepare you for an apprenticeship?
"Because of UTC’s different approach to teaching, its workplace-like culture, and the schedule of the school days, it helped me build good routines in how I work, including adapting to long hours and how to plan for deadlines in my own time."
What does your day-to-day look like?
"Around 8:00 I arrive in the office and usually attend a morning team brief, where we all brief each other on different projects ongoing at the moment in our department. After that, I continue through the day attending meetings online, working on projects, and sometimes travelling around the site for other in-person meetings. Each day is different for me due to the nature of my job, and I have never felt like I’m treated any differently since I’m an apprentice."
Aleksander - Apprentice at Waterman Aspen
Aleksander – Apprentice Engineer at Waterman Aspen
Aleksander left UTC Portsmouth last year after studying the combined Engineering Certificate and A-Level pathway. He is now an Apprentice Engineer at Waterman Aspen.
What do you enjoy most about your apprenticeship?
"The best part of the apprenticeship is to be able to learn from professionals the skills and practices that are used in the industry straight after college and being able to contribute to infrastructure projects that improve the lives of local people."
Oliver - Apprentice at Roke
Oliver - Apprentice at Roke
Oliver left UTC Portsmouth last year after completing his A Levels and is now undertaking a degree apprenticeship at Roke Manor.
What does your day-to-day look like?
“My day to day is generally always similar but nothing is ever the same from one day to the next. I have daily meetings four days a week every morning with the rest of the project team to discuss progress, and then the rest of the day is for me to be able to use the time for developing the task I’m working on, whether that is researching, self-teaching or programming code. My fifth day of the week is spent attending online university sessions or completing independent assignment work.”
Noor - Apprentice at BAE Systems
Noor – Apprentice at BAE Systems
Noor undertook an Engineering Diploma at UTC Portsmouth and left four years ago to become an Apprentice at BAE Systems.
What advice would you give those students considering an apprenticeship?
"If you want a more hands-on way to learn while getting your qualifications, then definitely go for an apprenticeship! Don’t hold yourself back, don’t think you can’t do something. Push yourself out of your comfort zone. Don’t be scared of change. The only person that can stop you from doing what you want to do is yourself. If you believe in yourself, everything is possible, and with the support you will receive from an apprenticeship, you will go further in life than you can picture right now."
Why would you recommend an apprenticeship?
"You never do the same thing every day, which makes you adapt very quickly and learn new skills and processes. You also get the chance to speak to experienced engineers from various companies who are always open to passing their knowledge onto you."
Mohin - Degree Apprentice at Jaguar Land Rover
Mohin – Engineering Degree Apprentice at Jaguar Land Rover
Mohin left UTC Portsmouth two years ago after undertaking the combined pathway. He is now an Engineering Degree Apprentice at Jaguar Land Rover.
How did your time at UTC Portsmouth prepare you for an apprenticeship?
"UTC Portsmouth has been pivotal in preparing me for an apprenticeship, as the teaching and mentoring support I have received throughout my time there, gave me great confidence when applying for these apprenticeship schemes. As I chose the combined pathway, these subjects gave me the perfect opportunity to showcase my skills I have learnt in class to the assessment centres."
Sasha - Royal Navy Apprentice
Sasha – Apprentice at the Royal Navy
Sasha left UTC Portsmouth in 2021 after taking the combined Engineering and A-Level pathway. She is now an Apprentice at the Royal Navy.
What does your day-to-day look like?
“My apprenticeship has combined both time in a classroom and being on deployment at sea. My time in the classroom has been preparing me to progress when I go to sea. I am taught about the important systems that run the ship and how to conduct sufficient maintenance on the equipment.
However, during my time at sea, it was slightly different. I was able to put the things that I learnt at HMS Sultan into practice. I focused on completing my task book and worked in different departments of the ship to get an in depth understanding of how it works. When I come to the end of my apprenticeship in March, I will be using the skills and knowledge that I have gained over the last 2 years to join my next ship as a fully qualified Head of Section."
Jack - Degree Apprentice at Rolls-Royce
Jack – Aerospace Engineering Degree Apprentice at Rolls-Royce
Jack left UTC Portsmouth two years ago having completed his A-Levels. He is now an Aerospace Engineering Degree Apprentice at Rolls-Royce.
Why did you choose an apprenticeship?
"I wanted to get stuck in and start working. Gaining real world experience and becoming fully qualified years before I would have through the university route. I also get a degree without any of the debt and get paid throughout my education."
What do you enjoy most about your apprenticeship?
"The real world learning and being involved in industry projects. For example I've worked on components for a Typhoon Eurofighter engine, so you can see the impact of what you have worked on."
Daksh - Apprentice at Lockheed Martin
Daksh – Technical Apprentice at Lockheed Martin
Daksh left UTC Portsmouth last year and undertook our A-Level pathway. He is now a Technical Apprentice at Lockheed Martin.
What does your day-to-day look like?
"My day to day consists of writing and testing code for the current feature with my team as well having meetings with them to highlight any issues we might be having with our work. I also attend university once a week where I study towards a degree with other apprentices from a range of different places."
What advice would you give those students considering an apprenticeship?
"Keep your CV update. Apply early Keep notes of what companies offer the type of apprenticeship you’re looking for."
Supporting Our Students on Their Apprenticeship Journey
At UTC Portsmouth, we are dedicated to supporting students in making informed choices about their future. Whether through National Apprenticeship Week events, CV writing workshops, or employer engagement programmes, we ensure our students have access to the resources they need to succeed. Our extensive network of Employer Partners also provides ongoing opportunities, from work experience placements to industry insights that help shape future career decisions.
We are incredibly proud of all our alumni who have pursued apprenticeships and look forward to seeing the impact they will make in their industries. If you are considering an apprenticeship, take advantage of the support available and explore the many pathways open to you.
For more information on apprenticeships check out the National Apprenticeship Week website.
