I’m earning whilst gaining a degree and work experience

Jaya Rabadia
Engineering Services Apprentice
Embedded Electronics Systems Degree Apprenticeship
Portsmouth University
Tell us a little about yourself
When I was younger I would always take my toys apart to learn how they worked. It would really annoy my dad!
What was your motivation for joining the programme?
I wanted be able to gain practical skills in the workplace alongside the theoretical skills I learn in the classroom.
How is the programme benefiting you and Thales?
I am getting my degree sponsored by the company, and in return Thales is gaining a fully developed employee by the end of the apprenticeship.
What would you say to people considering this programme?
I would recommend that the go for it. I have developed a lot more than I feel I would have if I had gone to university. At first it was a bit daunting working on significant projects, but Thales provided me with the right support system so that, if I ever had an issue, I could go to them.
Why are you proud to be an apprentice?
I’m proud to call myself an apprentice as I’m earning whilst gaining a degree and work experience too. I know that this will benefit me greatly in the future as I feel that I have a more balanced education, which may not have been the case if I was employed as a graduate.