b'36 Partner News Spring 2023CorporateShaping future talent by choosing the apprenticeship pathBy Thales UKWith the UK facing a skills gap within theabout why she chose an apprenticeship, tipsin my career as with Thales you can develop STEM (science, technology, engineering andon how to apply to our programme, and howinto a completely different role from the one mathematics) industry, global technologyher apprenticeship has helped shape heryou started in.group Thales has established a UKcareer so far.apprenticeship programme over the lastFor me, this was a big selling point because decade and its 2023 Apprenticeship rolesWhen did you join the Thalesif I didnt genuinely enjoy what I was doing, are now available.apprenticeship programme? there were opportunities for me to change I joined in 2019 when I was 18 years old andmy mind which was really reassuring when I The companys Apprenticeship Programmefresh out of sixth form. I knew I wanted towas 18.has a range of different roles, across allgo into software engineering and found an regions in the UK, from a level 2 up to aopportunity at Thales, so I applied for theirWhat tips would you give to someone level 7, including roles such as engineering,Level 6 Software Apprenticeship. I didnt meetlooking to apply for the Thales in the UK project planning, procurement and HR. the grade requirements for it but got a placeapprenticeship programme?on their Level 3 Software ApprenticeshipI have a few tips I can share based off A Thales spokesperson said: Thales ininstead. Now, I have completed my level 3my own experience and hopefully it helps the UK understands the importance ofapprenticeship and Im in my second year ofsomeone who is looking to apply for one.upskilling and developing future talent souniversity, with two more years to go!we can foster a new generation of experts.Learn about the company you are joining, Apprenticeships enable us to shape theWhy did you choose an apprenticeshipit may seem really obvious but it is talent we need today so we can stay aheadover alternative routes? important to get an overall view of what of the curve I chose to do an apprenticeship instead ofthe company do and their work ethic.going to university because I wanted to startLearn about your role: read around what With many people looking at alternativemy professional career early and wantedpeople in your role do and link that to the ways to shape their career, why choose practical, hands-on experience as a softwareexperience or interest you already have.an apprenticeship with Thales? engineer. It was important to me to work forRelax and be yourself: dont be afraid to In this article, Zereh Pam, Software Engineera company that gave me mobility, not justshine in your own way, we are looking for Degree Apprentice in the Aerospace sectoracross different sites or countries, but alsoreal people not cookie-cutter robots!'