National Apprenticeship Week Interview: Alice, BAE Systems Digital Intelligence
The space industry is evolving at an incredible pace, offering exciting opportunities for those with a passion for engineering and innovation. Alice, a Space Systems Engineering Apprentice at BAE Systems Digital Intelligence and delivered at the University of Portsmouth, has joined this dynamic sector, gaining valuable hands-on experience in her role. In this interview, she shares her inspiration for pursuing a career in space, the benefits of the apprenticeship route, and her experiences working with satellite technologies.
Alice, Space Systems Engineering Apprentice, BAE Systems Digital Intelligence
Space is an exciting industry. What inspired you to pursue a career in this sector?
Space has always been incredibly interesting to me, and ever since I can remember I’ve found engineering and building things both fun and cool. With space being a rapidly growing industry, particularly in satellite technology, it’s the perfect field for me to progress my career and apply my skills.
Why did you choose the apprenticeship route compared to other pathways, such as university or direct entry into the workforce?
After finishing college, I entered the workforce directly. For two years, I worked as an Assembly, Integration and Test (AIT) Technician at In-Space Missions, a UK space company which is part of BAE Systems Digital Intelligence. However, when I got the opportunity to join the UK’s first-ever space degree apprenticeship, delivered through BAE Systems and the University of Portsmouth, I couldn’t turn it down. It offers me the chance to broaden my knowledge across different engineering departments, which will help me develop a well-rounded skill set and advance my career in the space industry.
Can you describe a typical day as an apprentice?
A typical day as an apprentice is all about staying busy and learning through the knowledge of others. It’s a mix of working on tasks, collaborating with the team and gaining new insights across different engineering areas. There’s always something to do, and every day offers a chance to grow and develop my skills.
What are the most valuable skills you have learned during your apprenticeship?
I’ve only been in my apprenticeship for four months, so I haven’t had the chance to learn all the skills just yet. As I continue in the role, however, I’m really looking forward to gaining valuable experience through projects such as the Azalea programme, which involves building and launching a multi-sensor Low Earth Orbit satellite cluster. I’m also excited to keep learning from my colleagues across different areas of engineering.
Is there a particular project, challenge, or achievement during your apprenticeship that stands out to you?
I think the biggest challenge has been adjusting to the study work. I’ve been used to working hands-on, so getting back into the academic side of things has been a bit of a shift. At the same time, the biggest achievement will be receiving my degree at the end of the course. I’ve also been involved in plenty of interesting projects, which make it even more rewarding.
What aspects of your apprenticeship program are you/were you most excited about?
I’m most excited about gaining experience in each department and exploring the different areas of engineering. It’s a great opportunity to broaden my skills, and I’m looking forward to being able to specialise in the area I enjoy the most at the end of the course.
To find out more about the BAE Systems Digital Intelligence course at the University of Portsmouth, follow this link.
