Apprenticeships are back in fashion and a great career choice for those who don't want to be stuck in a classroom. Intense competition for university places and a mounting burden of debt when they graduate are persuading many school-leavers to abandon further education in favour of the apprenticeship route.
20 year old George Cook kick-started his career in September 2007, joining BAE Systems' apprenticeship scheme in its Military Air Solutions business. George, whose father was an engineer, joined BAE Systems after taking AS-Levels in Maths Physics, Electronics and Engineering.
George said: "I'd always been interested in engineering, and knew it was a career I wanted to go into. A BAE Systems ambassador came to our school to give a talk to our engineering class, and I applied soon after.
I was on track for good grades at A-Level, but I wasn't convinced a university degree was worth the debt. I decided that for my chosen career path it made sense to join an apprenticeship scheme where I could get the training and support I needed."
Since joining BAE Systems, George has had the opportunity to experience working on a variety of dynamic projects including assembly of the Eurofighter Typhoon, one of the world's most advanced fighter aircraft.
George commented: "One of the things I love about the apprenticeship programme is the variety. I've worked in virtually every part of the business and have experienced a little bit of everything. It's something every apprentice here does and it's helped me make a more informed decision about the type of career I want to pursue."
George believes he truly found his niche however, when he was placed with BAE Systems' Autonomous Systems and Future Capabilities division, working as a trainee mechanical engineer in the building of a revolutionary unmanned stealth jet called Taranis.
Named after the Celtic god of thunder, the concept demonstrator will test the possibility of developing the first ever autonomous stealthy Unmanned Combat Air Vehicle (UCAV) that would ultimately be capable of precisely striking targets at long range, even in another continent.
Having worked on the project for the past seven months, George was invited to attend the official public unveiling of the craft at a reception attended by senior dignitaries and the press in July.
George said: "The UK has never built anything like Taranis before, so working on the project has meant constantly breaking new ground. It's such a complex and varied project, so I'm learning new skills every day. For someone my age, it's hard to think of a better environment to learn in.
"Obviously there are times when you take what you do for granted, but you quickly remember how lucky you are when Taranis appears on the 10 O'clock news."
George is set to finish his apprenticeship in November, and once qualified he hopes to continue working in Autonomous Systems and Future Capabilities. He also plans to continue his education while working, and is currently studying for an HNC qualification supported by BAE Systems.
George added: "My advice to anyone waiting for exam results this year would be to keep your options open for as long as possible and do your research. A lot my friends say they might have considered the apprenticeship route over university if they had known more about it at the time."
