What were you doing before you joined the apprenticeship?

Before starting my apprenticeship, I was studying A Levels, focusing on a range of STEM subjects including Further Maths, Electronics, Computer Science and Physics.

What made you decide to choose an apprenticeship route?

Originally planning to go to university with offers from Bath and Bristol to study Electronic Engineering, I discovered apprenticeships by chance. When I looked into the advantages, particularly that the degree could be completed alongside the apprenticeship as part of a degree apprenticeship, I decided to go down this route, because of the opportunity to also build up job experience and network at the same time.

How does the degree work alongside your apprenticeship?

I am partnered with London South Bank University. Each apprentice attends college or university one day a week on day release to study the course. During that time, I take part in lectures, tutorials and lab sessions, learning a mixture of topics, some closely related to the engineering disciplines I utilise in work; and some less close but still interesting and useful, such as C++ and Design & Practice. 

How long will the apprenticeship last?

I am currently in the 2nd year of my 4-year course, which is due to finish in May 2028. At that point, I will also be finalising my End Point Assessment evidence to sign off the apprenticeship. The apprenticeship will have lasted 5 years at that point.

Tell us about your current role and what you are working on.

As a CMOS Design Engineer Apprentice, I have worked on a range of different projects with various members of the team. This has given me the opportunity to be mentored by different people and shadow their work, helping me gain a real insight into different methodologies of working.

Most recently, I have spent around six months on one project focusing on validation and verification, along with producing graphs that will form part of the final documentation. It has been really interesting to understand this one project in such detail. Tasks are set in discussion with the engineer I am paired with, which I then work on independently using the design software, having periodic progress checks every couple of days. This includes circuit design, physical layout, verification and validation (such as running tests or calculations), as well as documentation.​

What would your advice be to someone considering an apprenticeship?

There are many different advantages. As an apprentice you gain work experience, and earn while you learn, avoiding university fees. Gathering the experience in the placement roles allows you to build a range of soft skills and technical knowledge. The final placement transfers directly to the role you can continue working in after completing the apprenticeship.

Networking is another big benefit. I have been able to work with people across the company and even represent Teledyne Space Imaging at trade shows and exhibitions. There is also the apprentice cohort itself. Having that network of like-minded apprentices, often in different placements around the company, is very beneficial. There are times when we come together to work on projects and share common goals. It means you are not simply joining a company straight from school without a support network – instead you grow with a group.

Do you see apprentices staying on in full time roles after they complete their apprenticeship?

Yes, there are apprentices complete their final placement, which is the extended placement, and then remain in that area. By that stage, they have demonstrated proficiency in their role and the transition into the full-time role is very smooth - there is very little difference between the role at the end of the apprenticeship compared to the full-time position.

What is the best thing about working in the space sector?

For me, it is the fact that we are working on things that are going to be sent into space. Not only do our detectors taking amazing images, but our technology helps provide data for groundbreaking research – Earth observation for example, and monitoring the effects of climate change.

Has working in the sector changed your interest in space outside of work?

Definitely; it has increased my interest outside of work, I pay close attention to launches in the news now. If one is mentioned, I look to see whether our technology is on board, where it is going, and what it is studying. 

What has been the highlight of your apprenticeship so far?

The highlight has been the project I am currently working on for an upcoming mission. I have been able to do more in-depth work and take on more responsibility. I have gained a much deeper understanding of the project itself, and this knowledge and experience will really help me work understand future projects much faster.​​ I also really enjoyed a recent trip to Wales, where two year groups of apprentices took part in numerous team building and problem solving activities.