There is a perception of what an engineer is and the route that is traditionally taken to become qualified. However, as a third year Engineering Technician Apprentice at BAE Systems, Denize Pilarta is breaking those myths. So how did Denize get into the world of engineering?
Barrow-in-Furness = A British engineering hub
Whilst engineering wasn’t an industry she was born in to, her parents instilled strong work ethics and passion for their careers that rubbed off on Denize. “My parents aren’t from engineering backgrounds but from the care and health sectors. Growing up, their love, passion and dedication to serving the country and humanity has always been an inspiration to me; and teaching me the significance of values, morals and work ethics. It was this passion and dedication that showed me that you can make a career in something that you love. And, it was at school where I found what I was passionate about; completing my A-levels in Biology, Chemistry, Maths, an Extended Project Qualification in researching the science behind mental illness as well as AS-Level Law.”
Fortunately for Denize, she didn’t have to look too far to make a career from what she was passionate about. “Growing up in Barrow-in-Furness, a town in Cumbria in the North West of England, engineering was all around me. Knowing that the Barrow shipyard is the main location for the design, build and commissioning of complex submarines really ticked all the boxes. It was the catalyst for getting me into engineering and wanting to pursue an apprenticeship with BAE Systems.”
The rest they say is history. Denize says she had always gravitated towards STEM subjects but did not follow the traditional university career path. There is a misconception that the only way to pursue a good career in engineering is through the completion of a university degree. But Denize, like many others, was interested in acquiring practical field experience which she would have otherwise not necessarily achieved while cooped up in university lectures. Her apprenticeship at BAE Systems was the perfect opportunity for her to learn scientific techniques from qualified tradespeople and experts with extensive years of experience and implement theoretical concept learnings whilst working.
Earning while learning
At a time when the pandemic has left many young people in unchartered territories, Denize highlights the advantages of pursuing an apprenticeship. She discusses how working with experienced colleagues who have worked in the industry for decades provide a realm of information and engineering excellence not conventionally available in textbooks. Additionally, her apprenticeship also offers Denize the opportunity to earn while she learns.
She says, “Just because I did not go to university does not mean that my further education has stopped. BAE Systems has put me through a National Diploma in Engineering course. I am also working towards a national vocational course and the company has further funded my degree.”
“An apprenticeship offers a host of opportunities. People are not aware of the enrichment activities which help to build essential soft skills including confidence, leadership skills, teamwork and project management; all skills that you can take back to your work.”
STEM ambassador - encouraging women into engineering
Some of Denize’s main enrichment activities include being involved with the apprentice council. Rolled out across all the company’s sites in the UK, the apprentice council enables a group of apprentices from different areas and specialities to discuss with each other about how to further enhance the apprentice experience.
As a result of participating, Denize has been able to join the National Apprentice Council where she is directly in contact with over 2,500 apprentices across the country. “Being part of this has not only enabled me to grow, by getting involved as a STEM ambassador supporting events such as World Skills Live UK, but it’s hugely important to me as I want to make more people, especially women, aware of engineering roles.”
In 2019 Denize was awarded the ‘MAKE UK Engineering Apprentice of the Year: Rising Star National Winner’ for her dedication to continuously improve, and actively promote the endless possibilities within STEM to young girls. She was also one of the six finalists of the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) Young Woman Engineer of the Year Awards 2020. All these accomplishments have recognised both her professional and personal growth.
“It’s hugely important for me that I keep pushing and encouraging women into the industry; females are still underrepresented and there is more work to be done. Currently, only 12% of engineers are women and we need to get the message out that this is an inclusive and diverse industry, open to all regardless of their gender, ethnicity or religion.”
Don’t fear the workplace!
Many may be concerned about their career progression in such a competitive workplace, but Denize is confident that at the end of her apprenticeship, with the necessary skills and experience under her belt, technical positions are well within reach. Indeed, the opportunities are countless and as BAE Systems is such a large organisation, there are many interesting roles available across different lines of business.
Speaking about the perils of the pandemic, and how she navigated through the various lockdowns, she said, “In March last year the apprentices were tasked to work from home, completing various projects and assignments. With safe ways of working implemented in line with government guidelines, I was able to come back on site in September and have continued with my training and learning ever since.”
On her career to date, Denize has some helpful advice, “Make the most of every situation that comes your way. It is all about celebrating your achievements no matter how little they are and learning from your challenges and failures. It all adds to your personal and professional growth and there is a lot of opportunity for this through an apprenticeship with BAE Systems.”
BAE Systems recently announced it will recruit more than 850 apprentices and 400 graduates in 2021, the highest ever intake in a single year. The apprenticeship application window is open until 28 February 2021. For more information about the company’s early careers opportunities or to apply, visit: https://baesystems.com/earlycareers
