Apprenticeship Week Highlights: Insights from Axiom’s Top Talent

(Captured from top left to bottom right - Amber Heard, Ieuan Turner, Georgia Barrett-Wyatt, Zac Lenton-Johnson, Benjamin Jones)

1) Ieuan Turner

Current Role: Junior Test Engineer
Apprenticeship: Electrical and Electronic Engineering (2020-2024)

Ieuan joined Axiom as an operator, where he developed a passion for test engineering, before discovering the apprenticeship opportunity and working to become a Junior Test Engineer.

“I would always recommend apprenticeships. You get paid to learn, and it prepares you for industry a lot more. Companies value experience over qualifications.”

Key Takeaways:

• Overcame the challenge of working with diverse teams.
• Early responsibility in customer projects was pivotal.
• Gained practical skills not taught in classrooms.

2)  Georgia Barrett-Wyatt
Future Role: Junior Planner
Apprenticeship: Business Administration (current)

Georgia’s apprenticeship focused around both BDG and planning departments, helping her to gain an expansive skillset and comprehensive understanding of the business.

“When people think of apprenticeships, they think of someone who’s young and inexperienced. Sometimes it can just be a 23-year-old that hadn't figured out what she wanted in life.”

Key Takeaways:

• Balancing coursework and work tasks enhanced project management skills.
• Developed a unique perspective by learning across departments.
• Emphasises the importance of being proactive and asking questions.

3)  Benjamin Jones
Future Role: Quality Engineer
Apprenticeship: Electrical and Electronic Engineering (current)

With a background in mechanical engineering and an interest in Defence and Aerospace, Electrical engineering at Axiom felt like the ideal fit. He found his passion within the quality department, which confirmed his desire to pursue a long-term career in electrical engineering.

“You’ll find your niche and what you enjoy. Spending time in each department helps you see the bigger picture.”

Key Takeaways:

• Gained responsibility and independence early in the apprenticeship.
• Knowledge of engineering adds a unique skillset to the quality department
• The diversity of tasks helped him build a comprehensive skill set.

4)  Amber Heard
Current Role: Planner
Apprenticeship: Business Administration (2018-2020)

Amber began her journey at Axiom as an operator before discovering the business administration apprenticeship opportunity internally. She went on to earn a first-class BA (Hons) in Business and is now an integral part of the planning department.

“Be positive and have a can-do attitude. It isn’t as daunting as you think, and the end result is definitely worth it.”

Key Takeaways:

• Confidence grew through hands-on learning and mentorship.
• Built strong connections at all levels across different departments.
• The apprenticeship provided a launchpad for further education and career advancement.

5)  Zac Lenton-Johnson
Current Role: Customer Account Manager
Apprenticeship: Electrical and Electronic Engineering (2012-2016)

Zac, part of Axiom’s second apprentice cohort, realised through his Engineering apprenticeship that business development was his true passion. With Axiom's support, he then pursued a Business degree and project management training to build the skills for his new role in Account Management.

“Apprenticeships drive diversity within a business, bringing in fresh perspectives and new ways of working.”

Key Takeaways:

• Changed the trajectory of his career from exposure to different departments
• Axiom’s support led to further education and career development.
• Apprenticeships offer businesses new ways of working and differing mindsets

Discover more about Axiom’s apprenticeships here > Axiom | Apprenticeships