The UK is celebrating National Apprenticeship Week and with this year’s theme focused on “Skills for Life,” it’s a great reminder that an apprenticeship can set you up for a life-long path of learning, development, and progression.

Lockheed Martin UK shares inspiring apprenticeship stories, and provides some advice on how those looking for an apprenticeship opportunity can secure a role with the global defence and security organisation. The business has operated in the UK for nearly 80 years. It has a number of sites across the country, including Bedfordshire, where it employs over 500 people.

It’s facility in Bedfordshire is an engineering centre of excellence, with over 20,000 sq ft of advanced manufacturing space. The company’s innovations and technologically advanced solutions help the UK overcome its most complex challenges and stay ahead of emerging threats, contributing to the UK’s defence, security and prosperity.

As part of its Corporate Social Responsibility, Lockheed Martin is committed to giving back to the local community through STEM outreach, working with local schools to inspire the next generation workforce to consider STEM related careers and the importance of STEM subjects.

The facility in Bedfordshire partners with locally based Bedford College to deliver the vocational learning and academic qualifications for some of its apprentices. 

Debbie Houghton, Executive Director of Apprenticeships, Business Development & Commercial at The Bedford College Group said: “Providing an expertly trained workforce is crucial to the success of the region, government, regional partnerships, local authorities, employers, and businesses. Working with employers in the area, including Lockheed Martin allows us to offer even more opportunities for school leavers seeking T levels, Apprenticeships, or Higher-Level qualifications, such as Higher Technical Qualifications, Higher and Degree Apprenticeships.”

Inspiring Apprentice Stories… Road to Success via Apprenticeships

Lee Fellows, Vice President and Managing Director for Lockheed Martin UK’s Ampthill business, based in Bedfordshire, started his career as an Apprentice. As someone who has climbed the career ladder from apprentice to board room, Lee is a huge advocate and believer in apprentices.

“My apprenticeship cemented my early career - it grounded me and prepared me for future growth,  enabling me to not only develop skills in engineering, but also in wider business practices too. I absolutely believe that I wouldn’t be Vice President and Managing Director of a business with over 500 people, without an apprenticeship start in my working life.”

“An apprenticeship is more than skills development. From a personal perspective, it helped me figure out what I wanted to do. The variety of roles I was able to undertake during my apprenticeship gave me a breadth of experience which I just wouldn’t have experienced otherwise. It also helped me to respect and appreciate the diversity of thought and approach.”

“In my view, at Lockheed Martin we offer one of the best Early Careers Programmes in the industry. We tailor the support that will help develop our young talent, upskill them and provide them with a personalised career,” said Lee.

If you want to learn more about the Lockheed Martin Early Careers Programme, click through to the website here.

If you’re interested in becoming an apprentice at Lockheed Martin, keep an eye on their vacancies page – the next intake of apprentices are due to be recruited around August and September of this year.