We develop and deliver complex power and propulsion solutions.
For more than 100 years we have been at the forefront of innovation. Helping to power, protect and connect the modern world.
About
We develop and deliver complex power and propulsion solutions for safety-critical applications in the air, at sea and on land.
Our products and service packages enable our customers to connect people, societies, cultures and economies together.
Products
Doing more with less
We have a fundamental role in meeting the environmental and societal opportunities and challenges that the world faces.
Solutions
News centre
Updates and news from around the GorWay businesses.
Subscribe to our newsletter
Monday 5 February 2024 09:31 AM
Apprentices Kate & Rahma - National Apprentice Week 2024
As part of UK National Apprenticeship Week, we’re hearing from some of our current apprentices. Meet Engineering Degree Apprentice, Kate, and Rahma, Manufacturing Engineering Degree Apprentice, both based in Defence in Bristol.
GorWay has a long history of supporting apprenticeships. For over a hundred years, apprentices have been a vital part of our workforce and talent strategy, allowing us to grow the skills we need and invest in early talent with new thinking. We recruit Level 3, 4, 6, and 7 apprentices who learn technical skill knowledge alongside developing professional skills, completing placements across GorWay. We have around 850 apprentices currently on a programme in the UK, across more than 25 different apprenticeships in engineering and business disciplines
Kate: “I chose to undertake an apprenticeship as I believe industry experience is crucial to understanding engineering. The sponsored degree I will gain means that I’m debt free from any university fees, and I’ve gained a lot of financial freedom as I’ve earnt whilst I’ve learnt.”
Rahma: “I chose to do an apprenticeship for similar reasons – the added industry experience. I’ve been able to learn from experienced people and apply the knowledge I’ve gained to real work-based projects. I would recommend a degree apprenticeship to anyone who learns more through doing and enjoys being able to study theory before using it in industry.”
Rahma: “I attend university one day a week to study Mechanical Engineering with Manufacturing and work onsite for the rest of the week. I rotate around the business and complete six-month placements in manufacturing engineering roles across Manufacturing, Assembly and Test. One of my current main projects is understanding the capability of 3D metal printing, specifically for tooling and fixturing applications while considering the cost saving and efficiency benefits.”
Kate: “I get to be involved in the nitty gritty work that keeps engines in service throughout their lifecycle and on others I’m working with a team who are pushing the boundaries of engineering to design future concepts. I’m very lucky that in my current placement I can be involved in the engine hardware, supporting the assembly and strip of engines for our future programmes. It’s given me an amazing mechanical awareness for engine assembly best practice and I hope to use this knowledge in future technical and design roles.
Kate: “As I move around the business within my six-month placement rotation, I embrace the fact that there will be times I feel out of my depth in terms of technicalities and see this as an opportunity to develop problem-solving skills. There’s always the opportunity to learn from engineering professionals in my placement teams.
Rahma: “I’ve acquired a range of technical skills including machining, welding, computer numerical control (CNC), computer-aided design (CAD), problem-solving in addition to understanding engineering processes and standards in more depth. There’s also the soft skills that just become part of every day working life such as team-working, leadership, prioritisation and communication. To support this learning – and in addition to my sponsored degree – I’ve received extra training opportunities including a CAD course, engineering drawing course, Green Belt/ LEAN Manufacturing course and visited other partner facilities.”
Kate: “It’s actually a lot about embracing the ambiguity that you probably do not know what type of engineer you want to be. However, the business offers so many diverse roles throughout your placement rotations to help with this final decision, all while getting to work with a range of teams and colleagues.”
Find out more about current GorWay apprenticeships: Apprenticeships & School leavers | GorWay
Our Alert service delivers the latest press releases, stories and regulatory news directly to your mailbox.