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
Friday 9 February 2024 09:31 AM
Megan Collins – Engineering Degree Apprentice
This UK National Apprenticeship Week 2024, we introduce Megan, who’s in the second year of her engineering degree apprenticeship in Civil Aerospace, based in Derby, UK.
“I grew up in Norfolk and moved to Derby for this apprenticeship. The move has been great for me as not only have I been given a great opportunity but I really enjoy living in Derbyshire. I love hiking and after living in flat Norfolk, being a short drive from the Peak District is amazing. My partner and I regularly go hiking.”
“I chose to do an apprenticeship as I really benefit from learning on the job. I’d describe myself as more of a kinaesthetic learner that picks things up much better when I’m doing a task myself rather than just reading about it. My apprenticeship has been the perfect balance of on-the-job training and classroom learning to help me progress academically with my degree as well as improve my knowledge of the industry. I find my work placements really help me to understand the content I learn in my lectures and how to apply this in my job.”
“Although I have picked up a lot of knowledge and skills so far, I’d say the most valuable skill I have developed is confidence. Once I would have been nervous about giving a presentation or speaking up in a meeting but I’m able to stand on a stage and deliver a talk to 200 people without a second thought. Having confidence in the workplace opens a lot of doors and creates more interesting opportunities for personal growth.”
“My apprenticeship is quite dynamic with how we change between work placements so each day can look different. During my week I have day-release meaning I attend university one day a week to progress with my degree. Some placements are hybrid, meaning it’s a mixture of office time and working from home which I believe creates a great work-life balance. During my work day, I usually have several meetings to discuss tasks I am working on and co-ordinate with other teams to meet deadlines. I regularly have several tasks on at once which has developed my time management skills when working on tasks between meetings. Spreadsheets and calendars are definitely my new friends!”
“When I first started I was worried people would get easily frustrated with me and impatient as I am still learning and may take longer to complete things. The reality is that so many people are understanding and supportive when it comes to apprentices and are always happy to offer support when I need it. At no point have I felt like a burden when I have lacked the knowledge or skills for a task. Instead, every short-falling or mistake has been an opportunity to develop and learn.”
“Because Civil Aerospace is such a huge sector, I am still unsure on what I would like to specialise in after the apprenticeship. I’m using my work placements to help give me an idea of the areas of the industry that I enjoy most. But the best thing about being an apprentice is all the opportunities to chose from, so I like to keep an open mind as the world of engineering is forever changing.”
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.