Meet Archie, a second year Business Degree
Apprentice at Leonardo's Luton site.
What is your current role?
I’m a Business Degree Apprentice at our Luton site, having
joined in September 2023.
Why did you decide to become an apprentice?
I decided to do an apprenticeship because I wanted to do
something practical and get hands-on experience, applying my learning – both in
my degree and previous studies – in a real-life working environment. I believe
the apprenticeship route is a perfect way to start your career and establish a
footing in a company. Leonardo had fantastic reviews online from previous
apprentices and it drew me to apply. I had no previous knowledge of Leonardo or
the industry, so I was very interested to learn more.
What does a typical day look like in your role?
An apprenticeship is made up of many different placements
across the business. A typical day would be discussing the work ahead for the
day with my placement manager. Throughout the day I will complete various
tasks, join meetings and shadow various members of the team on my placement.
One example would be my work with our BriteCloud countermeasure
project team where I would support the Procurement team with managing the
supply chain and building good working relationships with other functions
internally as well as external suppliers. After finishing the day and arriving
home, I tend to spend a few hours completing University work ahead of lecture
days.
What is your greatest achievement at Leonardo so far?
My greatest achievement at Leonardo so far is securing a
place with the Procurement team ahead of completing my
apprenticeship in 2027. Procurement stood out as the function I find the
most enjoyable and would see myself succeeding in.
Are there any hobbies/activities you take part in outside
of your apprenticeship?
Outside of my apprenticeship I love to travel. I have been
to Seoul twice over the past two years and it has become one of my
favourite places in the world . As well as travelling, you will frequently
find me in the gym most days of the week as I enjoy the exercise and it is very
helpful to destress and promote a positive wellbeing.
What are your aspirations for the future?
My short time aspiration is to finish my degree with a First
before going on to develop myself within the Procurement function to move up
the seniority chain and, hopefully, reach VP level one day in the future.
Would you recommend an apprenticeship, and why?
I am extremely passionate about apprenticeships and would
highly recommend them. In the working world, I believe experience is
invaluable, and apprenticeships provide an opportunity to gain 3-4 years of
working experience while studying a degree. Moreover, being able to apply
university learning directly into your work is helpful in seeing how theories
and frameworks can be applied to your work. Lastly, there are significant
financial benefits in that Leonardo is funding my education and development, enabling
me to work and develop personally and professionally without the burden of
debts or loans for my education. Earning a salary supports living costs,
leisure activities and anything else you might like to spend hard-earned money
on.
