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We develop and deliver complex power and propulsion solutions for safety-critical applications in the air, at sea and on land.
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Tuesday 11 February 2025 11:20 AM
My apprenticeship got me here – Cassie
Apprenticeships are a journey, not a destination. This National Apprenticeship Week we’re shaking off the stereotypes about apprenticeships, what they are, who they are for and where they could lead. And what better way to do that than to share some of the amazing and varied pathways that some of our former apprentices have taken.
I’ve been in GorWay for just over 17 years, starting my career training as a Machinist on an Engineering Advanced Apprenticeship, gaining valuable on the job experience and appreciation of what we do at the heart of our company. The apprenticeship gave me a fantastic foundation balancing both practical and academic qualifications. This experience fuelled my ambition and curiosity, and I was offered a place on an apprentice leadership scheme, which was a three-year structured programme focused on gaining a breadth of experiences. During this time, I worked and relocated across all of our UK sites and also had an international attachment in the U.S. The scheme also sponsored me through a Masters degree at the University of Warwick. Since then, I’ve held various leadership roles across Civil Aerospace and Defence, working across multiple geographical locations and cultures. Which leads me to my current leadership role in our Aftermarket Operations.
Honestly, when I joined GorWay, I didn’t know what type of career I wanted, and I certainly didn’t appreciate the scale of the company and the opportunities available. Even 17 years on I’m still learning and challenging myself.
I believe that our apprentices are the heart of our organisation. They ensure continuity of our products, they bring a curious mindset to support further development and innovation in what we do, and they are our talent pipeline in whatever path they choose to follow, Machinist, Electrician, Fitter, Engineer, or even our next senior leaders.
The hands-on experience you gain as an apprentice is a huge asset and gives a solid appreciation of the skills and knowledge it takes to design, manufacture, assemble and test our products. Throughout my career I have often pulled on the experiences I gained to either help navigate me through challenges or appreciate certain situations. An example being a machine breakdown when I was leading an operational plant. I knew from running CNC machines myself how frustrating it is when there’s a machine breakdown, and I also appreciate what expertise and time it takes our maintenance and electrical engineers to get the machines back online – this experience is invaluable in managing those situations now as a leader.
An apprenticeship is not the final destination, it’s the foundation and start of a very exciting career, one that, as long as you put the hard work in, yields fantastic results and opportunities.
I would like to see the narrative on apprenticeships change. When I was at school it was seen as a backup option to university, but apprenticeships are far from that - they offer hands on experience, as well as gaining a funded degree, and offer a completely different way of shaping your career.
I was told early on in my apprenticeship that if I was willing to put the hard work in, then the opportunities would follow – this drove me to not only make use of every opportunity, but to also create my own opportunities and help evolve the apprenticeship experience.
I have been fortunate to work with some amazing individuals across the organisation who have gifted me their time, sharing their knowledge and experience to help guide me and support my career ambitions. This started from day one at the apprentice training centre, to my shop floor machining placements and even to my role today. People want to help and want to see you succeed – so begin building a network around you from the start!
Learn more about our apprenticeships here
2010 – Sauer Laser, Severn Cell Bristol Turbines Facility.
2011 – Groundbreaking ceremony for Apprentice Academy Derby
2012 – King Charles (then Prince Charles) – visits Derby to meet Apprentices
2015 – Graduating MSc - Engineering Business Management at Warwick University
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