EDUCATION
EDUCATION SPECIAL FEATURE
FROM CLASSROOM TO
CAREER AT BAE SYSTEMS:
LUCY’ S LEAP INTO ENGINEERING
If engineering sounds like something you would enjoy, it’ s worth knowing that university isn’ t the only route in. With an apprenticeship, you can learn on the job, gain real experience and earn a salary while working towards a recognised qualification.
That’ s the path Lucy chose and she’ s now a BAE Systems apprentice based in Rochester.“ I always wanted to get into engineering,” says Lucy.“ I had the grades for university, but it didn’ t feel like the right path for me.”
Lucy discovered that an apprenticeship would give her the hands‐on start she wanted- earning a wage, building experience and developing practical skills while keeping her education cost-free.
“ I chose BAE Systems because it felt like the right fit,” she says.“ Apprentices dive into real work from day one and build skills that last. Moving around different projects keeps things fresh and is helping me see where I might want to specialise.”
The apprenticeship is designed to build confidence. Last year, Lucy spent time at a local college developing core skills alongside other apprentices.“ Sometimes the workload was challenging, but the tutors were supportive,” she adds. Her group also went away for a three‐day residential. It was there that Lucy faced her fear of heights and walked away with an award for personal development.
And the opportunities don’ t stop there. Many apprentices stay on with the company and those who want to keep studying can work towards a sponsored degree while still earning. It’ s a pathway Lucy hopes to follow.“ It’ s the best of both worlds,” she says.“ I can keep progressing in my career and earn a degree without taking on a student loan.”
BAE Systems’ apprentices have access to flexible working, a company contributed Share Incentive Plan and a competitive pension scheme, as well as an employee assistance programme, employee discounts and an enhanced annual leave allowance. They also have access to social opportunities such as theatre trips, sports clubs and gaming clubs.
If you’ re interested in gaining industry experience, learning new skills and earning a recognised qualification, an apprenticeship with BAE Systems could be a strong next step.
BAE Systems offers budding engineers the chance to develop skills of the future and make an impact that lasts.
Apprenticeship applications open on Monday 4 January 2027. Find out more via the website.
baesystems. com / apprentices lifeatbaesystems
208 • www. insidekent. co. uk