National Apprenticeship Week Case Study: Josh Miller, Mechanical Design Engineer, Airbus

Josh Miller, 22, always knew that he wanted to turn his childhood love of science into a career. The chance to build three years of work experience while studying prompted him to start an apprenticeship with Airbus straight out of school, rather than doing A-Levels.

What made you interested in a career in this field?

I have always had a passion for space and science! As a child, I was fascinated by watching documentaries and reading books about our universe, such as those presented by Stephen Hawking or Brian Cox. These gave me a real interest in the cosmos, which expanded over time to include loves for physics, mathematics and the aerospace industry.

Also, I have always been ambitious to push boundaries and come up with ways of doing things more efficiently and productively. Therefore, this cutting-edge field of satellite engineering was a natural fit.

Why did you decide to take the apprenticeship route, and how did you find out about the Airbus opportunity?

The greatest reason for taking this route was to be able to gain exposure to an incredibly professional working environment at a young age. I felt that whilst many of my friends were completing A-Levels and degrees full-time, I gained a considerable advantage in my personal development. Not only this, but I would already have three years of industry experience and supporting qualifications by the age of 19.

I was initially aware of Airbus's engineering activities on the Broad Oak site (the location of Airbus Portsmouth) as my father had previously worked on this site for various other companies. However, I first heard about this opportunity through a STEM-related careers fair. The opportunity to work with space products and technology really drew my attention!

Did you have to spend some days at college and some days at work?

During my programme, the first year was spent full time studying to achieve a BTEC Level 3. The subsequent two years were spent completing on-site placements (four days per week) and studying towards an HNC part-time (one day per week).

What were the highlights from your apprenticeship, and were there any challenges you had to overcome?

Some of the hands-on activities were excellent experiences, such as my time in environmental testing (shock, vibration, EMC etc.). Getting to assist in spinning equipment to hundreds of RPM, working in anechoic chambers and pull-testing components are objectively very cool! However, I truly found my vocation in the design office, where managing an apprentice lead project and delivering engineering drawings really piqued my interest.

I also have to mention some of the fun additional activities that I was lucky enough to participate in! These included a week's Outward Bound trip to north Wales (including hiking, canoeing and various outdoor pursuits) and travelling to Germany for a week's team-building experience with other European young professionals on a 19th Century sailing boat.

What is your job now and what does it involve?

Upon the completion of my apprenticeship, I started a role in the Mechanical Design Office (MDO) as a Mechanical Design Engineer. In this role, I worked on deliverables to our internal AIT team (assembly, integration and test), including 3D CAD design work, assembly drawings and mylar drawings.

After a little less than two years in that role, I stepped up to become the Kit Provider Focal Point. My day-to-day job involves looking after a small technical drawing team, and I am additionally responsible for process improvements, non-quality management and project scheduling.

I was also given the opportunity to integrate a passion for sustainability into my job, and I am now the design office Sustainability Focal Point - responsible for making our products and working environment greener.

I have felt hugely supported in my development by my manager and MDO colleagues, and I have really enjoyed growing into my new role and taking on new challenges!

What do you hope to do in the future - where do you see your career going?

I would like to continue developing both my leadership and project management skills and increase my exposure to these areas of the business. Long term, I want to keep learning, growing and taking on more responsibilities within the business.

I am also keen to maintain my role within the company-wide sustainability networks, as I find this very exciting and fulfilling. It is always inspiring to find so many others within my company who support protecting our environment!

What advice would you give to someone thinking about doing an apprenticeship?

Based on my experience, I would advise them to learn a little about the large companies within their industry of interest and see if they align with their personal values and passions. For me, taking this apprenticeship led me to a business that I am proud to represent and go to work for each day - and I think this is a very important factor to consider.

There are plenty of ways to learn more, through careers fairs, employer's websites and education providers around the south coast.

*Airbus offers a range of apprenticeships across the UK – to find out more, click here.

During his apprenticeship, Josh studied at Havant and South Downs College (HSDC). You can find out about their apprenticeship opportunities here.*