Jessica Stone
Undergraduate Engineering Apprentice at Airbus
Taking the correct subjects (science, technology, engineering and maths) is of course important, but I would also strongly encourage you to have confidence in your ability. More often than not we surprise ourselves with what we can do when we give it a go.
About Jessica...
Who am I?
"As an engineer, one of the most important skills to have is good communication, so my Communicator is obviously very useful! We often work as part of large, varied teams and as such we need to be able to communicate clearly and effectively with each other. You can have the answers to every problem, but if you can't communicate them, it's as good as having no answers at all!"
What do I do?
"Being an Apprentice, I study at university two days per week and spend the other three days working. I complete a series of placements in engineering roles around the business to learn skills in all areas from design of aircraft parts, to predicting how and when they will fail. I love the freedom that I have in my job to steer my own development in a direction that interests me. I get to work on exciting projects with experienced engineers and get lots of opportunities to get involved with exciting events such as air shows. Throughout the apprenticeship with Airbus and beyond there are lots of opportunities for progression, from extra training to taking on new roles and we get a pay rise every year while completing the apprenticeship! In the future I hope to have the opportunity to work on the next generation of air travel, whatever form that may take!"
How did I get here?
"I don't have a role model or specific person who inspired me, but rather a sign in the DT block in my school which read: 'nothing moves without engineers'."
The life I live
"When I'm not working or studying at university, I love baking, getting involved with Airbus's sports teams, exploring new places and spending time with family and friends."
My typical day
"My typical day involves working both independently and as part of a team to solve engineering problems, have meetings with customers and other people interested in my work, to present my findings, as well as managing any other additional projects such as organising events and host work experience students."
My qualifications
"Secondary education (GCSE/O-Levels) GCSE: A* in Maths, English Literature and Language, Physics, Biology, Chemistry, DT, German, History, and Geography. Post secondary education (College, A-levels, NVQ3 or equivalent) A Level: Physics A, Maths B, DT A* Apprenticeship (please specify level in other) Working towards a BEng Degree in Aerospace Engineering "