Gus, an Old Freemen and current Apprentice at MBDA, has shared his experiences in a recent Q&A, offering an insight into his career journey since leaving Freemen’s and life at MBDA.

What made you choose an apprenticeship over going to university? Were there any specific factors (cost, experience, career goals) that influenced your decision?

I chose a degree apprenticeship instead of university as this was the best way to get a degree whilst earning. By doing this kind of apprenticeship, I could get my degree paid for, which played a large factor into my choice. As the benefits of work experience started to outweigh the benefits of a degree during my applications, I knew this was the right path for me.

How did you decide which companies to apply to?

Choosing which company to work for completely depends on what field you’re going into. I was a cadet when I was at Freemen’s and that had an influence on my career path. I’m now working for MBDA which is one of the largest defence firms in the world!

What does a typical day look like for you?

A typical day for me usually starts with a catchup with my manager. The pastoral support offered to Apprentices is brilliant as they know that doing work alongside university assignments can, at times, get stressful. The rest of my day usually consists of hands-on testing in the lab and occasionally shadowing other staff to learn new skills.

Do you get paid a fair salary for your role? Are there any other benefits (e.g., travel expenses, training opportunities)?

The salary for my role is fair, with maximum pay rises per year of £4000 depending on work performance and university grades. MBDA has some of the best benefits – some including dynamic working, access to professional coaches for personal development and having a subsidised lunch hall is a nice extra. I’ve also had the opportunities to attend training courses such as Emergency First Aid, an Overhead Crane Certification and several other workshops specialising in engineering.

What qualification will you receive at the end of your apprenticeship? Do you get time off for study or exams?

At the end of the apprenticeship, I’ll have a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering and 4 years of work experience. I’ll also have certifications from any externally recognised courses I take part in. Time off for study and exams is all included and the company recognize when I may need more time for revision and offers fully paid study days to support us.

What opportunities for progression are available after your apprenticeship? Do you see yourself staying with MBDA long-term?

After completing my apprenticeship, I will need stay with MBDA for 2 years as a full-time worker and then I can look for new opportunities either within the company or externally. I would love to stay at MBDA for as long as possible as the benefits, working environment and opportunities are absolutely brilliant.

Do you feel you’ve missed out on the university experience? How do you balance work, study, and social life?

I don’t feel I have missed the university experience particularly. I still go to university once a week and the MBDA are focused on team building so we often do socials and nights out which feels a bit like university anyway! Balancing work, studies and social life is quite easy at MBDA. I work in a very social environment and having designated days for university helps to structure my week.

What advice would you give to someone considering an apprenticeship? Is there anything you wish you had known before starting?

My advice for anyone considering an apprenticeship, would be to make sure you are passionate about the field you’re going to. New starters at MBDA were told that showing a real passion for your industry is make or break in interviews. Work experience is also a huge factor. Showing companies that you have experience in the workplace, even if it isn’t related to your field, is a huge bonus in giving the interviewers the confidence to hire you.