Templecombe apprentice in her element in maritime role
After studying for her A-levels in Maths, Physics and Information Technology, Bronwyn made a conscious decision not to go to university and instead focus her career on an apprenticeship.
Bronwyn said: “I remember throughout my studies thinking I would like to follow a more practical route, to actually pick up a trade. I knew from an early age I had an interest in technical and engineering, but it was finding out the best opportunity that suited me.
“I didn’t have anyone in the family who had a direct engineering link, but I do remember absolutely loving the times I was helping out my Mum to fix her old Land Rover. I liked the idea of physically fixing stuff and learning how things work.
“I don’t live that far from Templecombe and when I found out what went on here and the fact that Thales offered apprenticeships, I absolutely jumped at the chance.”
Templecombe is one of the Thales Group’s leading under water technology sites, manufacturing a range of sonar and sensors that equip the Royal Navy fleet and other international navies. Recent investment makes Templecombe a centre of excellence in anti-submarine warfare, minewarfare and submarine technology.
Bronwyn added: “I love the fact we move from department to department learning our trade as we go. We spent our first year studying full-time at Yeovil College which gave us that background knowledge but I’m now working with the actual kit from ships and submarines.”
The 20-year-old is one of six apprentices currently going through their second year training at the Somerset site. The others are Josh Cox, George Wilde, Jonny Hill, Lewis Summers and Sam Brant
She added: “There’s a real buzz here because there a quite a few apprentices here now going through various stages of their training and not just in manufacturing as there are some in graphics and business too. We do network quite a lot and the manufacturing group have actually brought the others over to our workplace to show what we do.
“It’s also nice for us to know that Jeremy Standen, the Maritime business lead, also started his career as an apprentice. That sends out a really nice message how far you can go.
“I’ve never regretted not going to university and I do feel I’m actually learning a trade. I’d like to think my future may be as a production or manufacturing engineer, but maybe it’s too early to say.
“My family and friends are amazed when I can point at an image of a ship and submarine and I can say ‘I’m involved with that’. I suppose it’s all about feeling you’re making a difference.”