National Apprenticeship Week is an opportunity for us to celebrate the wide range of career pathways available to young people, beyond the traditional university route. At UTC Portsmouth, apprenticeships continue to be a popular route for our students, with many progressing directly into industry whilst gaining valuable qualifications.
Apprenticeships combine academic study with real, hands-on experience within the workplace. From developing technical skills to working alongside industry experts, apprentices earn while they learn and graduate with both a qualification and significant professional experience.
To mark National Apprenticeship Week, we’ve caught up with some of our UTC Portsmouth alumni, who are undertaking degree level apprenticeships across engineering, technology and consultancy. They share their experiences, how UTC Portsmouth supported their journey, and the advice they’d give to students looking to take this pathway.
Will - Degree Apprentice at Cambridge Consultants
Will left UTC Portsmouth last year after taking the combined Engineering and A Level pathway. He chose an apprenticeship to build a strong career in technology whilst gaining real industry experience alongside his degree.
Working within a consultancy has allowed Will to contribute to meaningful projects, collaborate closely with senior specialists, and explore different areas of the industry to shape his future career path. He credits the UTC Portsmouth employer-led projects and enrichment activities in helping him stand out during interviews, giving him confidence and early exposure to professional workflows.
His day-to-day involves working on project tasks, attending team meetings, and dedicating one day a week to university study.
“My main advice would be to make the most of every opportunity you’re offered, whether it’s a project, a workshop, or an employer‑led activity. You never know which experience will help you stand out or open doors later on. ”
MAnsa - Degree Apprentice at Dyson
Mansa left UTC Portsmouth last year after completing the combined Engineering and A Level pathway. She chose a degree apprenticeship to balance academic challenge with early exposure to industry.
During her time at UTC Portsmouth, employer work experience opportunities helped her build a strong portfolio and understand how to work in fast-paced, collaborative environments. Her week is split between university lectures and working at Dyson, alongside studying, contributing to the student voice committee, taking part in sports, and attending social events.
What Mansa enjoys most is working with experienced professionals in an adaptive, high-energy environment that encourages continuous development.
“Make sure to show your passion for the industry you want to join and build your employer skills as companies love to see examples on where you have developed them.”
Ollie - Degree Apprentice at Airbus
Ollie left UTC Portsmouth in 2023 after completing his A Levels. He knew he wanted to continue learning, but full time university did not appeal to him. An apprenticeship at Airbus offered the opportunity to gain practical skills while earning, with the reassurance of joining a trusted Employer Partner.
UTC Portsmouth helped Ollie understand the value of apprenticeships through employer talks, CV support, and application workshops. His role follows an agile working pattern, with structured project ‘sprints’, daily stand-ups, and one day a week spent at University.
Alongside his technical development, Ollie has valued the opportunity to represent Airbus at events.
“Find someone who is in the position you would like to be in, and speak to them. You can do this in-person at an event or online via platforms such as LinkedIn.”
Asaad - Degree Apprentice at Leonardo
Assad left UTC Portsmouth last year after taking the combined Engineering and A Level pathway. He chose a degree apprenticeship to gain a debt-free degree, whilst securing a role in one of the most competitive industries in the world.
At UTC Portsmouth, Asaad made the most of work experience opportunities and project pipelines, giving him strong examples to draw upon during interviews. He also found that developing strong STEM habits helped him stand out during the application process.
Working in research and development, Asaad spends his time analysing simulation data, justifying design decisions, and collaborating across teams. He particularly values working on real projects that have impact.
“Make sure to practice saying where you’d improve if you had to do a certain project again as this really makes you stand out to employers.”
Rebecca - Degree Apprentice at Waterman Aspen
Rebecca left UTC Portsmouth in 2024 after completing the combined Engineering and A Level pathway. She chose a degree apprenticeship to combine classroom learning with hands-on experience, reinforcing theory through real-world application.
Rebecca secured her apprenticeship as a result of UTC Portsmouth’s Project Pipeline, and felt well prepared with a strong CV, professional attitude, and excellent communication skills. Her role varies day-to-day, from assisting on capital projects and overseeing construction to completing university assignments.
What Rebecca enjoys most is learning directly from senior engineers, contributing to team projects, and building confidence early in her career.
“Don’t let a new environment, situation or path keep you away from one of the best learning opportunities. ”
Angus – Cadet Apprentice at Carnival
Angus chose an apprenticeship because it allowed him to combine higher education with real-world work experience from the outset. Knowing he wanted to pursue engineering, the cadetship stood out for its unique offer of university study, industry experience, international travel and fully funded education.
He values the opportunity an apprenticeship provides to enter an adult working environment early, building both professional and life skills before taking on full responsibility in industry. This early exposure has given Angus confidence about his future and the direction of his career.
Angus describes UTC Portsmouth as the perfect stepping stone into his apprenticeship. The college’s strong industry links exposed him to a wide range of career options, while employer engagement opportunities helped break down barriers and empowered him to make informed decisions about his future pathway.
Now in the fifth phase of his cadetship, Angus’s day-to-day life is highly varied. Having recently returned from sea, he is currently preparing for his final exams while spending time at home with friends. Life onboard offers a balance of work and downtime, with opportunities to learn directly from industry professionals in a real working environment. Over the past year alone, Angus has travelled from Alaska to the Caribbean, meeting new people and exploring new places while developing his engineering expertise.
What Angus enjoys most is the sense of purpose his cadetship has given him. With regular transitions between life at sea and at home, there is always something to look forward to, and the variety of experiences has allowed him to reflect with pride on what he has achieved so far.
“My advice to anyone considering an apprenticeship is to really decide what will work for you, then stick with it, as no matter what changes may happen in your life you will always be able to fall back on the qualifications and experience you have gained. ”
At UTC Portsmouth, we are committed to supporting students in making informed decisions about their future. Through National Apprenticeship Week activities, CV and application workshops, and regular Employer Partner engagement, students gain the skills, knowledge, and confidence needed to progress to their ideal destinations.
Our extensive Employer Partner network provides valuable opportunities, from work experience to project insights, helping students make well-informed choices.
We look forward to seeing the impact that our alumni make across their chosen industries, and the career paths they forge.
For more information on National Apprenticeship Week, visit their website.