Izzy Chadwick, project planning and controls apprentice at Thales in the UK, has been shortlisted for the Apprentice category at the Made in Manchester Awards (MiMA). We caught up with her to find out more about her apprenticeship experience.

Thales offers a diverse range of apprenticeships across all regions of the UK. Our apprenticeships allow you to earn while you learn, directly from industry experts, all while being fully employed. 

What were your initial expectations when you started the apprenticeship program?

I was attracted to the Thales apprenticeship programme as it allowed me to earn while studying at the same time. I was curious about the company culture and how to balance work and study, but I was opened minded and excited to learn more. Once I joined Thales, I quickly realised they are flexible with study time, allowing 20% of my working week to be dedicated to working on my qualifications. This was supported by my line manager, who has also gone through an apprenticeship programme and understood the demands it can have. Being able to have their support throughout was really valuable and enabled me to have some flexibility in my schedule around core times, such as exams. Everyone I've met here has been welcoming and trusting, helping me feel part of the team and allowing me to put what I learn into practice.

Can you share a specific project or experience during your apprenticeship that significantly contributed to your personal and professional development?

During my first few months, I spent my time understanding the systems, shadowing team members and working on my first solo project. Working as a project controller, I was tasked with improving the governance of our self-funded research and development projects in order to increase output. The output from SFR&D helps shape Thales’ future in the Maritime defence sector, expanding our product portfolio and allowing us to stay competitive in the market. It is important that we take an agile and dynamic approach to project management processes, encouraging innovative thinking in a controlled manner.

With the help of my experienced colleagues, I was able to take what I was learning from my qualifications and apply that knowledge to my work, which helped to increase my understanding too. Having my own project early on really helped with my personal and professional development. I was able to interact with senior stakeholders across the business, apply my knowledge and gather detailed evidence for my qualification.

How did you balance the demands of working in a professional environment while studying for your level 4 apprenticeship?

I would get distracted on study days by answering work questions, but I quickly realised I had to draw a clear line between college time and work. Having this divide was really helpful, and my team were aware of my study days and knew I would continue with my tasks when I was back in work. I feel really fortunate to have a line manager who understands the demands of an apprenticeship.

What advice would you give to someone considering an apprenticeship program based on your own journey and experiences?

I would advise anyone who is considering an apprenticeship to go for it! It can have its challenges, but you get out of it what you put in and the benefits are brilliant. I have had many opportunities to develop alongside my professional qualifications. I got involved with the Early Careers Committee and used my Thales volunteering hours to work with our partner, Primary Engineer. As part of the Primary Engineer Prototeam, I was able to connect with other graduates and apprentices across our UK sites and put skills from my apprenticeship into practice. Our team developed the ‘Tap of Germs’, and was awarded a bronze medal at the MacRobert Medal Award Ceremony. 

I would encourage anyone in an apprenticeship to take all the opportunities that come your way. It is a great way to network and open doors to new experiences.