Graphic Design looks right for Templecombe Apprentice

Maisie Beaton found Thales by accident. Interested in Graphic Design and photography, she had never heard of Thales until she stumbled upon an apprenticeship open evening and was led to seek out companies that could offer her what she wanted to do. 

“I’ve always been more of a practical person. I like to learn while I do.” Maisie says when asked what made her decide to do an apprenticeship. Now part of the Graphic Design team, based in Templecombe, Maisie works across different business markets helping produce visuals, graphics and collateral to support anywhere it is needed.

“Everything I achieved on these projects, I couldn’t believe. It’s all thanks to my department, Document Services really, they’ve all taught me.” Maisie has settled into working life well since joining Thales in September 2014.

“I guess it was a bit daunting joining a big company like Thales straight out of college. But the advice I would give anyone else in a similar situation to myself is to just go for it, everyone is so willing to help and answer questions. So don’t be shy, just get involved with as much as you can.” This seems to be a mantra that Maisie herself is following. She is involved with a number of projects beyond her everyday work, from producing artwork for one of the highly technical workshops based in Templecombe to producing brochures to help promote Thales to other apprentices at careers fairs and open days.

Maisie is adamant that she could not have done what she has achieved so far without the support of her mentor Kim Marsh and the team, “they taught me everything I know since I left college” Maisie studied photography and media at local Gryphon School, Sherborne and now wants to continue learning, with aspirations to undertake further study whilst working.

Maisie is keen to stay with Thales and learn everything she can. “An apprenticeship gives you the right opportunities to work whilst developing your skills (and the chance to have a job at the end of it is always a bonus!)”