I enjoyed College and feel it helped me develop the independence I’ve needed for my apprenticeship study. I made close friends who I still meet with regularly and have many good memories, both from my lessons and the generous amount of free time we were given.

When I joined College I had a rough idea that I wanted to go into some form of engineering, but it was through the variety of careers events and advice sessions, the Aspire programme and my excellent tutor and physics teacher Nicky that I became certain that a degree apprenticeship in the aerospace industry was right for me.

For the first nine months of my apprenticeship, I was in full-time education, which gave me the basics in engineering that I’d need to start work on site. It also taught me specific skills including composites fabrication, welding and machining to name a few. As expected, there were challenges getting some reports and coursework completed on time, but at no point have I felt that there wasn’t help available to me when needed.

Currently in the second year of my four-year Aerospace Engineering degree apprenticeship with Airbus, I’m coming towards the end of a six-month Single Aisle (A320 family) wing structures design placement, which I’ve thoroughly enjoyed. My weekly routine consists of working at Airbus’ Filton site Monday to Wednesday and studying for my degree at GKN’s Global Technology Centre on Thursdays and Fridays.

I use CAD software such as CATIA daily and have regular meetings with a range of departments in the company about the projects I’m working on. Through this, I’ve felt a real improvement in my communication and teamwork skills over the past couple of months.

Over the rest of my apprenticeship, I’ll complete more placements within the company in departments such as stress analysis, fatigue & damage tolerancing, and repairs, which means I could work on all Airbus aircraft from the A220 to the A380, including the A400m military aircraft. And once I’ve completed my degree, I know I’ll have a permanent job that I’ll enjoy at Airbus, and this gives me confidence and reassurance.

I have no regrets choosing this apprenticeship over university – the degree side of my course means I’m able to join societies and university events, and I never thought that less than a year after leaving College, parts that I have designed would be installed on the most successful commercial aircraft ever.

My advice to anyone hoping to get into courses with limited spaces such as degree apprenticeships or competitive universities would be to apply to everything possible as any offers you’re given can always be rejected. I’d also recommend getting as much experience as possible to show your clear interest in the subject or industry. For example, I completed Airbus’ virtual work experience on Springpod. So, whether it’s through a work experience programme or personal projects and hobbies do things that display your passion for the subject or industry to potential recruiters.

Joshua Sealy

Reigate College: 2021-2023

Higher Education: BEng Aerospace Engineering (via completion of Level 2 Diploma in Aerospace and Aviation and Level 4 Diploma in Engineering and Advanced Manufacturing), UWE Bristol while working as Aerospace Engineering Degree Apprentice at Airbus.