From learners to leaders: apprenticeships powering the next generation of aerospace
As the aerospace sector enters a period of sustained production ramp-up and accelerating technological change, one reality is becoming unavoidable: future capability will depend on the talent entering the industry today through apprenticeship routes. Across the UK aerospace supply chain, manufacturers are competing for skills which is why this week’s focus on National Apprenticeship Week is so crucial.For ASG Aerospace, National Apprenticeship Week has served to reinforce the strategic importance of apprenticeships throughout its businesses in the UK and Germany.
Jasmine Hibbert, in her fifth and final year of her Electro-Mechanical Engineering Degree Apprenticeship within the group, describes how she found her way into a career in aerospace: “I heard about the role through my engineering teacher at school and he advised me that attending the open day would be a good idea. I always had an interest in practical applications, specifically engineering, so I wanted to pursue a career in it and liked the idea of an apprenticeship to be able to work and learn at the same time.”
“With my degree I enjoy being able to do a qualification and study with other people outside of the business and learning whilst working.” My advice “If you are looking to complete an apprenticeship to just do it! The benefits are amazing and you have no student debt -it's hard to do with time management, but it's worth it!”
Mandy Ridyard, Financial Director of ASG Produmax, says this breadth is deliberate. “Aerospace manufacturing demands consistency, discipline and curiosity,” she notes. “Apprentices bring all three. When you train people in your own environment, on your own processes, you build skills that last and cultures that sustain growth.”
With ASG Aerospace sites serving world class aerospace OEMs and Primes, apprentices across the group have the opportunity to take responsibility early. Jake Moody, an apprentice machinist within the group who was ‘Highly Commended finalist’ at the Lloyds Banking Group Apprenticeship & Skills Game Changers Award added :
“No two days are the same. The role varies a lot, and I do whatever needs doing on the day — sometimes running one machine while setting up another. That variety keeps things interesting and means I’m constantly learning. I feel proud to be part of something bigger here. We work with major aerospace names, and everything I make ends up going onto an engine. Knowing that gives the job real meaning.”
Recent changes to apprenticeship frameworks—allowing standards to evolve more rapidly and training to respond faster to emerging skills needs—are also reshaping how employers plan for the future. Ridyard believes this flexibility benefits both sides of the workforce equation. “Manufacturing doesn’t stand still,” she says. “Materials, processes and compliance expectations evolve constantly. Apprenticeships that adapt alongside the industry give young people confidence that their skills will remain relevant, and give employers confidence in long-term capability.”
That adaptability is reflected in quality-focused pathways. Matilda Shearman, now working in inspection, describes how rotating through different functions accelerated her development. “When I arrived, I was very shy, but my confidence has grown massively. I spent time across multiple departments to understand the full manufacturing process, starting in assemblies before moving into quality and inspection, which is now my main focus.”
Her advice to other young engineers considering this path was clear - “My advice to anyone at that crossroads at school is don’t put too much pressure on yourself. It often feels like it’s A-levels or college and that’s it — apprenticeships aren’t talked about enough. You feel rushed into making big decisions without all the information. Get out of your comfort zone, speak to people face-to-face, don’t underestimate how valuable that can be.”
As major aerospace and defence programmes look to secure capacity and resilience over decades-long lifecycles, apprenticeships are increasingly viewed as a strategic investment . For ASG Aerospace, the message is clear: embedding apprentices across the business is fundamental to support the next phase of global aerospace growth.