National Apprenticeship Week has been a great prompt to look in more details are the amazing apprenticeships our students have secured since finishing their studies with us.
Although university is still the most popular destination for our Sixth Form leavers, the quality and diversity of apprenticeship and future career opportunities they offer are proving more and more popular.
Here is a summary of the case studies we have shared over the course of this week:
First up is Warren, who after studying A Levels in Maths, Physics and Further Maths, decided to take the apprenticeship route after college rather than going to university. He is now training to be an Architectural Technologist with Portsmouth based Knight Architectural Design. He said of his time at UTC Portsmouth; “I met some very interesting people, I was also lucky enough to learn things and have experiences that I wouldn't have been able to at any other college.”
Charlotte studied the Level 3 Diploma in Engineering, specialising in automation control and manufacturing process with us. She successfully secured an apprenticeship at Airbus who she made contact with at our careers fair but also in Enrichment sessions. “I enjoyed my time at UTC Portsmouth because of what I was able to learn so much through my course. The staff were excellent with supporting learning, as well as any other issues. I gained new skills I wouldn't have otherwise known going to a different college, like networking with important companies and employers as well as universities to advance my career, as well as honing in on key skills like responsibility that employers look for the most.”
Oli left us last summer after getting fantastic grades in his GCSEs for a Technical Apprentice at Rolls Royce Motor Cars. He said of his time with us: “I had a great time at UTC. I learned many life skills from the variety of enrichment and training offered to me as well as making many life long friends. Without my work placement at Raymarine I really do not think I would have even applied let alone get interviewed for my current job. I achieved better GCSEs than I was predicted due to the dedication and expectation from the teachers and staff at UTC Portsmouth.”
Ewan joined NATS as an Apprentice Draughtsperson following his time with us at UTC Portsmouth. Here's what he said: Why you wanted an Apprenticeship? Like most people my age, I was unsure of what career path I wanted to go for. I had considered going to university but having weighed up the positives and negatives of university versus apprenticeships, I decided the apprenticeship route was the right choice for me. Unlike university, I knew as an apprentice I could continue studying for a qualification whilst learning "hands-on" and earning a salary. What led you to apply to NATS? Whilst studying for my extended diploma in electrical engineering at college, I had learnt Computer Aided Design (CAD), which I found to be very interesting. However, I never considered it to be a viable career option until I saw NATS were advertising for a CAD apprentice. I did not hesitate to apply knowing that NATS are a top company committed to investing in training and technology.”
Kain followed our combined pathway, studying A levels plus an extended certificate in Engineering. He is now a Level 6 software development apprentice with DSTL. “UTC taught me creative problem solving, team working along with fundamental computing and engineering knowledge. The support available at the college allowed me to progress onto an apprenticeship easily. “Dstl offers opportunities to continue studying after my apprenticeship has finished alongside a permanent job, which is a great future option for me.”
George, who completed the Level 3 Extended Diploma in Engineering with us and is now an apprentice with BAE Systems “I chose an apprenticeship with BAE Systems as I wanted to learn and work at the same time, whilst studying towards an HNC and possibly a HND. I enjoy the mixture of practical and theory work whilst completing a Level 2 qualification in Performing Engineering Operations (PEO) in the SDC (Skills Development Centre) and then progressing into the business. This gives lots of background engineering knowledge that can be used when completing the HNC / HND. I think that completing the Level 2 PEO on site allows the instructors to enforce theory work with real life examples. Staying in the SDC also allows you to get to know where you will be working in the future and get a feel for the business. I would say to someone thinking of applying that it is definitely worth your while and you should spend lots of time ensuring you have a good application. Overall BAE Systems is a great company to work for and these apprenticeships are a perfect way to learn and work at the same time.”