Tyra Garrett
Systems Engineering Degree Apprentice
Excelling in early career development with the Thales apprenticeship scheme
Tyra joined Thales in 2016 as a Software and System Engineering Apprentice. Here she describes how Thales has provided her with the perfect platform to excel in the early stages of her career.
I joined Thales in 2016 as a Software and System Engineering Apprentice, completing a Level 4 HNC. Once I completed my Level 4 qualification, Thales allowed me to join their new degree apprenticeship scheme which enabled me to obtain a bachelor’s degree.
Going to university was never something on my radar, as I just wanted to join the working world and get stuck in. I applied for Thales and have been lucky enough to gain university experience, whilst implementing my new knowledge into my daily working life.
Thales has supported me towards becoming a professionally registered engineer with the IET, and I have been awarded the title of ‘EngTech’ after only two years of working for the company. This means I am recognised for my skills and knowledge both within the workplace, and by an external professional body.
With Thales, they made sure to celebrate my achievements by putting me forward for the local apprenticeship awards. For all my hard work within the company and support at some great STEM events, I was awarded the Higher and Overall Apprentice of the Year Awards!
I highly recommend an apprenticeship as a way of gaining real-world expertise. The support, opportunities, and apprentice community within Thales is second to none and has allowed me to become more confident in myself, make great friends, and have opportunities I wouldn’t have had otherwise.