It’s been 3 months since our first Academy graduates began the next steps in their career progression ladder and we are so proud of each and every one of them.
From Mechanical Engineering Degrees at university, to Civil Engineering apprenticeships, to taking a gap year to travel the world, our “builders of tomorrow” are going on to achieve remarkable things.
The Next Engineers Academy sees aspiring engineers dedicate over 220 hours of extra-curricular work outside of their academic timetable. Our graduates demonstrated an extraordinary level of commitment and dedication to the programme and have also learnt valuable life skills such as problem-solving, perseverance and teamwork along the way.
Some of our graduates are so dedicated to the Academy that they now volunteer during our sessions with Cohort 2 and 3 Academy students. This includes facilitating small groups and guiding them through the design challenges. Not only is this developing valuable skills for our graduates, it is a fantastic opportunity for our current Academy students to learn from our graduates - students who understand the commitment of the Academy first hand - and hear how the Academy experience can positively impact them when it comes to deciding on their next steps after A-levels and Academy graduation.
We recently welcomed Cohort 1 graduates Chloe Brown, Livia Santos Pasta, Keifer Latham and Xanthe Simmonds to our November Academy sessions and enjoyed hearing all about their first 3 months in their degrees and apprenticeships …
Following graduation, what have you gone on to do?
“I’m completing an Aerospace Engineering Degree Apprenticeship at BAE Systems - a multinational aerospace, defence and information security company” - Chloe
“I’m studying for an Aerospace and Aerodynamics Master of Engineering at Southampton University" - Livia
“I’m at The University of Wolverhampton working towards a Motorsport Engineering Degree” - Kiefer
“I’m completing a Civil Engineering Degree Apprenticeship with Atkins Réalis - a world-class engineering services and nuclear organisation” - Xanthe
How has your involvement with the Engineering Academy prepared you for your next steps?
“My involvement has especially helped with my presentation skills which are so valuable at university and will be useful in my future jobs. It has also introduced me to different software’s and techniques that I now use regularly at University such as CAD. Additionally, the networking experience has been so important and I’ve learnt from everyone that I have met” - Livia
“The Academy has provided me with lots of experience for interviews and enabled me to build my confidence” - Chloe
What skills did you acquire during the Engineering Academy that you regularly use now?
“I thoroughly developed my communication and presentation skills which helped in my apprenticeship interview process.. I now have experience of presenting a business case and product reviews. I also developed my teamwork and leadership skills which have been useful in my apprenticeship projects so far” - Chloe
“During my first term at university, I have utilised the public speaking skills that I developed during the Academy and also my design process knowledge has been useful during project work" - Kiefer
What are your career aspirations?
“Aerospace Engineer - hopefully an Aerodynamicist in Formula 1 or Military Defence. The academy allowed me to recognise which types of engineering I enjoy and which I do not” - Chloe
“A career in motorsport or a career in automotive design” - Kiefer
“I would like to work in Formula 1 as an aerodynamics engineer. Next Engineers has expanded that dream so I want to work in many industries, not only F1. For example, I would like to design a car, work on boats and planes now!” - Livia
“My plan is to gain my ICE qualifications - Engineering Technician, followed by Chartered Engineer and then a Masters of Engineering” - Xanthe
What advice would you give to our current Academy students?
“Enjoy every moment … you’ll miss it when it’s over!” - Xanthe
“Attend every session! They’re fun and so helpful” - Livia
“Definitely focus on building your confidence in networking, presenting and communicating. There are key in any business, but especially engineering" - Chloe
“I have a couple of pieces of advice … ash questions and if you aren’t sure how to do something , just ask! Join a club at university to gain further experience and don’t worry if you can’t understand something straight away!” - Kiefer
I think that you will agree with us when we say that the future of engineering is in very safe hands!
