AMY Lambden, a technician at AWE, who was the winner of the south-east category in the regional final of the National Apprenticeship Awards 2017, talks through her experiences.

Why did you apply for an apprenticeship?

I was torn between university and applying for an apprenticeship. I didn't know which one to go for until I learned more about apprenticeships. The apprenticeship was more beneficial for me because, it allowed me to earn while I was learning and acquiring real skills. Also with an apprenticeship, I was able to put theory into practice, utilising my newly learnt skills straight away. AWE's well-renowned apprenticeship gave me the security and satisfaction of knowing that I would have a career with them after completing my apprenticeship

Describe what your apprenticeship involved

The apprenticeship started in the Skills Academy, learning the basics of electronic engineering and attending college for my Level 2 BTEC. In the Skills Academy I was given basic projects to allow me to put theory into practice. As I progressed in my apprenticeship, the projects became more advanced and I was able to further my electronics knowledge and understanding. As well as completing my Level 3 BTEC in electrical and electronic engineering, I was fortunate enough to go out into the business, via placements, and understand how my role as an electronic engineer would be utilised on site.

What were the main benefits of doing an apprenticeship?

The main benefits of completing my apprenticeship were; being able to put theory into practice straight after learning, earning while I was learning, starting and developing a career at a company which is well renowned.

What were the biggest challenges of doing an apprenticeship?

One of the biggest challenges of my apprenticeship was ensuring I had chosen the right career for myself. As I had chosen an apprenticeship over university, one of the biggest challenges for me was starting from the bottom. If I had chosen university I would have had a basic understanding of the career I was going into; whereas with an apprenticeship I was starting from scratch. This was nerve racking to say the least! However, this turned out to be more beneficial for me as it allowed me to gain a fundamental understanding of electronics before going into the deeper end.

Why do you think apprenticeships are important?

I believe apprenticeships are important because they gave people the opportunity to put the theory they learn from employers/colleges into practice as soon as they've been taught. Apprenticeships also allow people to kick start a career as soon as they finish school or come out of another job. Another important point is that apprenticeships offer the safeguard that a career is guaranteed after the apprenticeship has finished.

What is your advice for anyone thinking of doing an apprenticeship?

The main advice for anyone thinking about an apprenticeship would be to look into what the apprenticeship includes e.g. qualifications, placements or salary and see if its suited to them. Also, when considering an apprenticeship, think about the future and think about where you can go after you've finished an apprenticeship. For me I am waiting to go to university, for advanced qualifications in electronic engineering, thanks to AWE.